For the next in our series of case studies looking at how small businesses are using social media, we caught up with Joanne Keighley at Copper Pig Marketing
In no more than 50 words explain what your business is
Copper Pig Marketing is a marketing agency primarily aimed at SME’s to support with all, or part of their marketing activities, as and when they need it. We offer an informal, friendly service which creates practical and manageable solutions.
How do you use social media as a business?
I launched the business 2 weeks ago and Twitter is the main tool that I am using at the moment. It is a great way of getting in touch with potential clients and partners in a informal and cost effective way – and the results are starting to show! I have also registered the business with a number of online business & marketing networks in the area and on a national level. This helps you to keep updated with what is happening in your area and industry, and is another way of networking online. I also use Twitter as a platform to update people on projects that I am working on – which also helps my clients to get a sneaky plug!
What are your business/marketing objectives for social media?
My primary objective in using social media is to build my client base. As a small, new business it is the best way to start. As the business develops my strategy will too, and I will also be using these tools to keep in touch with clients and give them a platform from which they can promote their business/ products.
Do you measure the success of your social media marketing? If so, how?
I haven’t formally measured the results so far, but I have managed to build a following of 20 good contacts on Twitter so can only be pleased with the progress so far!
How does social media fit in with the other marketing your company does?
This is very much the starting point of my overall marketing strategy. I also get involved in a lot of networking and believe that in my industry you need to start to build your client base slowly and solidly, which is exactly the way I am taking the business. I am in the process of developing my website and this will be the central point from which my social profiles feed.
Do you have plans to increase your use of social media in 2010?
Yes absolutely! I have started with Twitter and some blog writing, but I plan to expand that my moving onto facebook and developing my blogging profile.
What would be your top 3 tips for businesses looking to get involved in social media?
- Know which social media platform is right for you and your customers. You don’t need to do everything at once; start using one tool which you know is the better fit for you and then expand it as you become more comfortable, if you need to.
- Quality over quantity. Don’t be fooled into thinking that if you have lots of friends/followers that everything is working well. Spend time looking at the quality of the contacts that you are developing and if they are not what you are looking for then change what you are doing.
- Get help and support if you need it. I know that social media can be a minefield if it is not something that you are familiar with, but there are lots of events/workshops around the country, and online businesses that can help point you in the right direction.
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