Social networks make targeting your highest potential prospects easier than ever before IF your target audience is socially-oriented. More and more people are getting online to go social, at least to a limited degree (Twitter, LinkedIN and Facebook are popular starting points). If the profile of your best prospects says that they like to go online to communicate and get info (you’ve taken the time to write a detailed profile of your target audience, right?), then start with these basic tips to truly reach out to (and learn about) your best targets:
Twitter … Use keywords in your tweets to get picked up by people who are interested in your topic. Make sure that your keywords are relevant to what you are offering. Keyword ‘bait and switch’ (using a keyword just to get attention or twollows) won’t get you followers (at least for long). Keep it relevant — and interesting — and you’ll keep (and build) your audience. AND … Search keywords (search.twitter.com) to find users who are interested in relevant topics. Follow those who are active and interesting and build relationships (and visibility) by adding value to the conversation.
LinkedIN … Groups are key here. Search for relevant groups based on keywords, join the ones that fit your target profile and add value to the network and the conversation. Do not use LinkedIN to sell. Use it to learn, contribute and build relationships. Ask questions and start discussions to find out what prospects really care about and to become more visible. Answer questions that relate to your expertise. Credibility … not salesmanship … builds connections. Remember: quality — not just quantity.