In this digital age business and personal technology platforms are changing daily, making internet marketing decisions increasingly difficult. With each new social media outlet, businesses have access to a new powerful promotional tools. However, the casual nature of a networking event that would normally boost a brand in a small group, may not be ideal representation on a global platform. These social sites create opportunities for reaching new audiences but also make internet etiquette a must.
Q. When is cold emailing effective?
A. Cold emails, the modern day equivalent of cold calling, has been labeled one of the most effective (and cheapest) forms of networking. Emailing is free and easy enough, but it is important to remember emails can increase leads only if the recipient reads the email. According to the popular business and personal life tip site Lifehacker, a person decides whether or not to read a full email based on these factors:
1. Who is the sender?
2. What do they want?
3. How long will it take?
Cold emails are most effective when these questions are kept in mind because it shows respect for the reader’s time.
Q. Which social media platform will best benefit a growing business?
A. Free social networking sites allow companies to create contact and information pages that may be reached by anyone researching the business. When an internet search is performed for a company, entries on sites such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google+ will be in the top results. It is in this company’s best interest to have accounts in their name for all of these sites. This will ensure that no one else will register under their company name. Even if there are no regular updates on these pages, future clients will see a business description and contact information. Customers will also have a direct way to post immediate feedback.
Keep in mind: This is a public forum it is necessary to regularly read and respond to user comments showing attentiveness to customer needs.
Q. Are regular newsletter emails helpful or rude?
A. Emailed newsletters through companies such as Mailchimp and Myemma provide easy templates for posting business changes and promotions. These templates allow companies to send loyal customers regular updates, coupons, and sale notices. Many businesses find this boosts sales and website traffic by reminding customers of their offers and services. For newsletters to be most beneficial, businesses must decide on the frequency of emails. Usually customers will unsubscribe from a service that emails too often, finding them unnecessary or annoying.
Q. Is face-to-face networking still beneficial even with a web presence?
A. Absolutely. In a recent Forbes interview, Jonah Berger author of Contagious: Why Things Catch On, claimed his most surprising discovery in this changing viral market is that only 7% of word of mouth is exchanged online. Regular networking events make businesses more popular because of the trust made in real life interactions and relationships. A business’s web presence will be most helpful to clients looking to research or send a company’s contact information to friends.