The 6 Steps for Using Social Media to Market Your Products & Services Online

The number one purpose of Social Media is for building relationships so it is very important to follow these steps when you are trying to market to those relationships. Hard selling does not work on the Social Network so you need to be careful not to rush the sales process or you will drive your new prospects away.

Remember they need to learn to know, like and trust you before they will feel comfortable doing business with you online.

Step 1 Connection: This is the point when someone in your target audience first makes a mental connection with you online. They might comment on your blog or re-Tweet one of your updates on Twitter. They also might comment on your wall on FaceBook but the important point here is that they have noticed you and now they want connect with you. Most likely they do not want to buy anything from you yet so the next step is critical.

Step 2 Conversation: It is very important for you to comment back. Don’t ever let a post on your wall go unanswered or a re-Tweet on Twitter go un-thanked. Your goal is to encourage conversation so always comment back if possible so you can begin the back and forth exchange of information.

Step 3 Conversion: This is the stage when the person actually starts to engage mentally with what you have to say. They begin to seek out your updates. This is when they decide if you could be a like-minded person or a member of their tribe as Seth Godin describes it. They may add you as a favorite or special group member on Twitter or they may join one of your groups in FaceBook, but the important thing is you now have their attention.

Step 4 Consumer: This is when your prospect begins to consume your free content. If you have a freebie on your blog that you use to build your list they will sign up for that. If you do free teleseminars or webinars they will attend. This is the time to provide the most valuable and relevant content so they learn to know, like and trust you. Eventual this is how they decide if they will purchase some of your products or services.

Step 5 Customer: This is when the first real buyer/seller transaction takes place for money. It is important that the process is simple and seamless so they will feel comfortable doing business with you in the future. If there are any problems keep in touch. If they are not satisfied do whatever is necessary to make it right.

Step 6 Client: This is the final and best stage for your prospect to move into. They now have a history of excellence with you. They know, like and trust you and respect what you do based on the products or services they have purchased in the past. If they see another product of yours they like, it will be an easier decision for them to buy it. If you have really made a good impression they will tell their friends and associates about you and Word of Mouth marketing will kick in as well.