Though social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and Google+ have become top platforms for businesses to market their products and communicate with consumers, there are still many common questions I hear on a daily basis.

If you are a business owner and find yourself scratching your head when it comes to social media, read on for answers to some of your frequently asked questions!

Frequently Asked Social Media Questions

1. What are the benefits linked to social media?

Social media has changed the way businesses communicate with consumers. It’s no longer necessary for a consumer to pick up the phone to learn about your products or services.

Potential clients can now find all the information they need with just the click of a mouse. Creating a social media presence for your business allows you to connect with consumers in a more personal way than traditional media allowed for. It also allows you to meet them on their terms and in the location they feel most comfortable spending time.

2. Why should I have a Twitter account?

Twitter allows potential customers to get a better understanding of who you are, what your business is all about and how you might best serve their needs given their particular circumstance.

It also enables your business to follow and connect with a very specific target audience. Using sites such as Twellow or WeFollow, you can connect with Twitter users that share common interests.

Tweeting about your business, sharing interesting facts, answering common questions and offering helpful insight will build loyalty and trust. Plus, tweeting on a consistent basis will help you find your brand voice and tweeting rhythm; two very important components to a successful Twitter strategy.

3. What is the difference between a Facebook profile and a business page?

A Facebook “Profile” also known as your personal “Timeline,” is the standard Facebook experience, representing one person, his or her interests, and his or her connections with other Facebook users.

A Facebook “Page” on the other hand, may be used to brand a product or represent a company, community, or special interest group. Facebook offers many free ways to help a company interact with the users that choose to connect with or “like” them.

4. Do I need a Facebook business page?

There was a time when I would have unequivocally answered yes to this question. However, marketing your business on Facebook has evolved. Depending on your company structure (are you a solopreneur or a local business) it might make more sense for you to connect on a personal level and build awareness through your personal profile.

There are limits to how your personal profile can be used though, and it’s important to understand what Facebook’s terms of service are prior to making this decision.

The pros of a fan page are search engine visibility and the ability to build meaningful relationships with people truly interested in your product or service.

5. How is YouTube important to my business?

YouTube is the second largest search engine next to Google and the top site for video content. With over 2 billion monthly views and 1 billion unique users, YouTube has the ability to put your content in front of the right people. In fact, recent statistics prove the power of video as viewers consume more than 4 billion hours of video each month.

Whether you sell cupcakes and it is your latest creation or you are a landscaping company offering a tutorial on lawn care, YouTube can bring a whole new look and feel to your online persona. Figure out how you can share your business in new and unique ways.

6. Why should I have a blog?

A blog is an incredibly important aspect of social media marketing. It offers you a platform to publish your thoughts, give advice, and share the knowledge you have accumulated over the years.

It is also a perfect way to extend the social media conversation and brand yourself as an expert within your field. While nothing beats a face-to-face meeting, blogs make it possible for you to increase your reach and connect with people you might never have had the opportunity to meet through traditional marketing mediums.

7. How much time should I spend on my social media activities?

It depends on the results you are looking to achieve. My typical response is 15-20 minutes in the morning and then the same amount of time in the afternoon.

Spend your time in the morning setting up your day. Find articles from your favorite bloggers to retweet or share across any of your social networks — respond and thank retweets and shares, and schedule your posts throughout the day. Then come back at the end of the day to answer questions and thank those that have shared your content.

8. What are a few top tips to help me successfully use social media?

Share content, be passionate about your business and let that shine through across your social sites. Connect with influencers, be consistent in your efforts and never ever engage in negative or disparaging conversations.

Keep your tone light, positive and uplifting. You have a much better chance of attracting the right consumers with a positive outlook than a negative one.

9. What are some of the mistakes I am bound to make when using social media?

Not initially understanding the importance of social media, not double-checking content before it’s posted (edit for errors), forgetting to post and letting days or weeks go without a tweet or post from your business, not creating a social media calendar containing your content strategy and not having measurable goals in place before getting started.

10. How do I use LinkedIn?

While Facebook, Twitter and other social sites boost visibility and awareness, LinkedIn has a unique business focus.

Creating a LinkedIn profile where business professionals and consumers can find details about your work history, talents and skills will build credibility and inspire transparent conversations.

11. How do I manage my time and efforts?

Using tools to help manage your time spent on social will enable you to find balance between using social media to build your online presence and performing other important duties required of you on a daily basis.

A few of my favorite social media management tools that will save you time are:

• Hootsuite
• Buffer
• Sprout Social
• Social Oomph

12. Which social media networks should I spend my time on?

Social media marketing has revolutionized the way we do business, but that doesn’t mean you need to be on every single one of them.

First you need to research your market and determine where your target market spends their time. If they use Facebook then stick with Facebook until you’ve mastered it. Then branch out. Taking on too many social networks all at once will leave you overwhelmed, frustrated and ready to call it quits long before you see results.

A BONUS question and answer:

13. Why should I spend time on Google+?

As consumers look  to the Internet and social media for answers to questions, having a diverse presence is imperative for business owners and entrepreneurs.

While Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn might have been your entry point, expanding into Google+ can be equally beneficial to your bottom line. From SEO to SMO benefits, the possibilities for growth are endless!

What question about social media do you hear the most? I’d love to hear it in the comments below!

Written by Rebekah Radice and republished with permission, courtesy 12 Most.