Do you think you “need” a complicated social media strategy or search engine optimization (SEO) to find new leads?
- Are you stressed because this is always on your TO-DO list?
- Are you spending time, money & energy but it’s not working?
It’s easy to make a mistake and hire someone to “do SEO” for you, only to wind up wasting money. Or drain your energy worrying that you’re not on all the social networks. Meanwhile, you may be spending too much time going to the wrong networking events.
Take a deep breath. The easiest way to start using building your network is to focus on your friends and contacts to expand your circle of influence. These contacts already KNOW, LIKE & TRUST you. Before we jump ahead to talk about “social media”, remember this is where the social part comes in.
Your starting point for building your network, both online and in-person are your current contacts.
There is power in your network, if you take the time to strategically evaluate it.
This doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Start by becoming aware of this power and making a decision to focus on this instead of more complicated techniques to attract strangers and chance encounters.
- How many business cards do you have on your desk of people you never followed up with?
- Are you taking the time to get to know people you see at events you attend regularly?
- Or are you constantly searching for new groups and new contacts?
- Are you focusing on getting LIKES online instead of contacting leads?
Shift gears to build relationships with your contacts.
Start Offline
Attend the same events so people see you regularly. Add on some get-to-know-you meetings.
Add Social Networks to Stay in Touch
Add your best contacts to your social networks and pay attention to what they are saying. This will build your network online and you will have quality over quantity.
You’ll have an audience that already KNOWS you. As you share content online, they will begin to LIKE and TRUST you even more! Your social media strategy will layer on top of your in-person networking, and it all focuses on your friends and contacts.
BONUS: Social Media Helps your SEO
I’m not saying to skip SEO. This process of posting on social networks will actually begin to help your SEO as you share on a regular basis. You may also find that you don’t actually NEED to target strangers and chance encounters. Your network will be working for you, which means you don’t have to worry about more complicated SEO (which is a lot of work, and a much longer conversation!!)
Instead of focusing on the tactics of SEO or social media, start with relationship marketing.
Build Your Network
If you are limited on resources—time, money and energy—start with your current offline network. Add simple social media strategy to focus on the people that already know, like and trust you. As your business grows, you can always add in more complicated SEO. The key is to be realistic about what you want to do and set yourself up for success.
Let’s talk about creating an effective marketing & networking plan for your brand.
Learn more about creating an effective networking strategy!
DISCLOSURE: Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you like my recommendation and then click through and make a purchase. Details...
Hello Service-Based Entrepreneur,
I know it’s easy to get overwhelmed by reading blog posts full of ideas, tactics & tools. Be honest...
- How frustrated will you be trying to implement this on your own?
- How much time will you waste if it's not your next best step?
- Did you just take the time to read this but you won't make any changes?
- Or are you ready to take a small next step to build your brand?
Get clarity & your next step forward!
I'm here to help you with your marketing for the new normal & beyond. Let's talk about your options to work with me a FREE 30-min consultation.
To your success,
Marketing Strategist & Designer
I offer a blend of 30+ years of expertise in marketing, websites, brand identity, strategy, tech solutions, and more. I work with service-based entrepreneurs with a practical and flexible approach to adjust to changes in business & life. I offer both targeted & flexible solutions that link together like blocks to create a custom fit. We’ll focus on a series of “next steps” to build your brand over time. Let’s talk about how we can work together to start & grow your business.
