Use Social Media to Market Your Business Like a PRO

There’s no doubt about it. Marketing your business on social media is tougher than ever. Just consider the fact that 93% of small businesses are using Facebook. That doesn't include Twitter, Instagram, Google Plus and many other social networks.

Is it any wonder why the competition to stand out is fierce? Or why so many businesses are eager to create differentiation through social media? But it's not as easy as it seems.

Creating a successful social media presence takes skill, know-how and effort. It also takes an understanding of what tactics can push through the overwhelming noise.

Tactics that encourage interaction, engagement and growth. I recently had the honor of joining Ann Smarty and her community on #VCBuzz. We discussed social media, blogging, content marketing and so much more.

• How did I get involved with social media marketing?
• How do I write my article headlines?
• How do I manage my time on social media?
• How can businesses create a bigger buzz on social media?

If you’re ready to use social media in a productive and effective way, read below! Get a glimpse into my background and ways you can use social media like a pro.

Honored! RT @vcbuzz: Today we have the best-known expert in social media domination to learn from: Please meet @RebekahRadice #vcbuzz

— Ann Smarty (@seosmarty) June 30, 2015

RT @vcbuzz: Rebekah is the author of, “How to Use Social Media to Virtually Crush the Competition.” http://t.co/kM2QCXKo0R #vcbuzz

— Phil Turner (@EP_pturner) June 30, 2015

Thrilled to be here! RT @vcbuzz Her rebekahradice .com – voted a “2015 Top 10 Social Media Blog” by Social Media Examiner #vcbuzz

— Rebekah Radice (@RebekahRadice) June 30, 2015

Q1) When did you get involved with social media marketing? How did you find this career path?

A1) Blogging is where it all began for me. I had no idea what starting an “online journal” would mean to my business in 2004. #ViralBuzzA1) In 2005 I began to play around with #socialmedia for my own business and then quickly saw an opportunity to teach others. #VCBuzz

A5 First of all, love what you do & be you, then always use good schedule calendar, as well as tools mentioned in A4 @vcbuzz #vcbuzz

— Ivana Ćirković (@OrganVlasti) June 30, 2015

A1) I trained businesses on how to use a blog & LinkedIn to build a personal brand through what we now know as social networking. #VCBuzzA1) Marketing has been my career for 20 years. Taking what I know & helping others connect dots in their own biz is what I love! #VCBuzz

@RebekahRadice Thank u! I luv reading about your story in this chat. So nice knowing the history behind someone's success @seosmarty #vcbuzz

— Diana Adams (@adamsconsulting) June 30, 2015

Q2 How many social media networks are you active on? How do you manage? Which one is your favorite?

A2) I’m active on all today’s top social networks. I made an investment into an integrated #socialmedia strategy from the onset. #VCBuzz

RT @RebekahRadice: A1) Active on all top social networks. Investment 2 an integrated #socialmedia strategy from the onset. #vcbuzz

— Saverio G. Filippis (@GHISaverio) June 30, 2015

A2) I couldn’t live without tools like @PostPlanner @SproutSocial & @Buffer. They make #socialmedia management (almost) effortless! #VCBuzzA2) Twitter was my 1st love & will always hold a special place in my heart. I've met so many amazing people like you here Ann! #ViralChat

So much agree! More open than any other platform... RT @mjtiscione: Endless opportunity with Twitter @RebekahRadice #vcbuzz

— Ann Smarty (@seosmarty) June 30, 2015

A2) It’s also been the biggest supporter of my blog and my number one traffic driver up until Pinterest came along. #VCBuzz

Q3 Your article headlines are outstanding. No wonder they do so well on social media! How do you come up with so catchy wording? What’s your formula?

A3) Always write your title with the reader in mind, communicating a benefit that they cannot live without. #VCBuzz

Always write your title with the reader in mind. Instantly communicate a benefit that they cannot live without. ~ @RebekahRadice #VCBuzz — Ann Tran (@AnnTran_) 30 June 2015

A3) Make it personal. A blog title that speaks directly to readers situation/needs lets you to relate on a far more intimate level. #VCBuzzA3) Simple wins! Keep your titles short and to the point. Those that have performed best for me are 60 characters or less. #VCBuzz

RT @RebekahRadice: A3) Simple wins! Keep your titles short and to the point. Best performers for me r 55 characters or less. #vcbuzz

— Saverio G. Filippis (@GHISaverio) June 30, 2015

A3) Here’s an example “10 Steps to Creating a Winning Social Media Strategy." 52 characters with 18.5k shares!

RT @RebekahRadice: “10 Steps to Creating a Winning Social Media Strategy." 52 characters with 18.5k shares! #vcbuzz

— Ann Smarty (@seosmarty) June 30, 2015

A3) Make them clickable! Inject humor, draw on emotion, solve a problem. You want the reader to immediately find purpose and value. #VCBuzz

A3 @RebekahRadice on writing headlines: Short, clickable, attention-grabbing #vcbuzz pic.twitter.com/VYeMIeV04A

— Ann Smarty (@seosmarty) 30 June 2015

Q4 You talk a lot about branding, consistency and visual marketing! Your blog is a perfect example of visual consistency! What are your tips and tools for those looking to become more consistent with their branding?

A4) Define what makes you shine. What unique identifiers, special skills, talents & magic create the brand called you? Share that! #VCBuzz

A4 A consistent visual signature (appearance) keeps reminding the reader who the author is without having to go back and look. #vcbuzz

— Jim Katzaman (@JKatzaman) June 30, 2015

A4) Determine how to position your brand online. Your message, voice and vision should create a connection with you & your community? #VCBuzz

A4) Invest in your brand. You can't grow if you're not willing to put money into the future success of your business. #VCBuzz

RT @seosmarty: THIS -> RT @RebekahRadice: A4) Invest in your brand http://t.co/edF8Rhy34h #vcbuzz

— Ron Sela (@ronsela) June 30, 2015

A4) Own your name! Use a tool like KnowEm to check 500 networks and instantly secure your brand name. http://rebekahr.com/1g4h4kW #VCBuzz

Q5 You write, you speak, you are well known on social media… How do you manage to do so much? Please share your productivity secrets!

A5) Running a business is definitely a juggling act. The key is to be smart in where you focus your time and energy. #VCBuzz

Very well-put! -> RT @RebekahRadice: A5) Running a business is a juggling act #vcbuzz pic.twitter.com/AMvAgiCiy3

— Ann Smarty (@seosmarty) June 30, 2015

A5) Track activities, especially online. I use tools like E.ggtimer & Rescue Time to monitor where time sucks happen during the day. #VCBuzz

A5 First of all, love what you do & be you, then always use a good schedule calendar, as well as tools mentioned in A4 @vcbuzz #vcbuzz

— Ivana Ćirković (@OrganVlasti) 30 Червень 2015

A5) Give it away! Delegation isn’t easy, especially for entrepreneurs, but it's worth the time/effort to train the right people. #VCBuzz

Final thoughts

Social media can be an incredibly effective part of your overall marketing strategy. Whether you’re a small business, entrepreneur or brand - building a solid social media presence is worth the time and investment.

Make sure to connect with me on Twitter and learn more about #VCBuzz through Ann’s detailed roundup!

Did you miss yesterday's chat? Get the roundup here: How to Dominate Social Media with @RebekahRadice #VCBuzz - http://t.co/T6GHR6YC8X— Rebekah Radice (@RebekahRadice) July 1, 2015