The economy’s been down for so long many, many local businesses are now looking for that silver bullet that is going to finally pull them up and out and back to the promised land.  In 2010, it seems the pull is towards social media – primarily Facebook and Twitter.

And the rush in this direction, combined with how short handed many small businesses are, has resulted in a lack of attention to other advertising methods.  There may even be a short term benefit, exacerbating the problem.

Head down this path, though, and your brand will suffer in the long term.  Think about the brands that you are most loyal to for a moment.  Do they reach out to you beyond your Twitter account.  Without knowing you or the company you are currently thinking of, I know the answer is “yes.”

While the jet-setting lifestyle in this article may not be relatable for you, the underlying principals should be.  The whole article is a good read, but since you are busy, here is the high point: (more…)

“I have a Facebook page.  My sister told me this is all I need in order to make LOTS of money from the internet.”  If I had a nickel for everytime I heard this, I’d have retired young by now.

Don’t get me wrong.  Facebook can be a valuable part of your internet strategy.  (Heck I might even sign up one of these days.)  But if you truly want to be found on the internet by more than your friends and family, I’m going to recommend you reach a little further.  This chart is the best explanation I’ve found so far to show how things fit.  I’ve lost the info on the source, so if you know, please let me know so I can give credit where its due.

What it explains is that Facebook and other social media (Twitter, Linked In, etc.) make up the top of your pyramid – kind of like the sweets in your grade school food pyramid.  It’s fun, it tastes really good, but too much will give you an upset stomach.  In this case, the crumblies come from too high of expectations.

Facebook may be the best (more…)