CREATING A SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING PLAN

What is Social Media?   Social media refers to websites that allow people and businesses to interact online by sharing news, updates, comments, photos and more. Small businesses are now using social media as a marketing resource-it is a way to communicate personally with customers to increase loyalty and sales for low- or no-cost.

Using Social Media Effectively: In order to make social media marketing effective, you need to commit time to using it, updating it, and keeping your followers interested.Don't take on more than you can handle, and make sure you have reliable internet access to use the different tools that are available. Then, follow our guide to make your social media efforts a win for you and your business.  

If you have 5 minutes a day:
Find your business on online review sites such as Yelp.com, CitySearch.com, orGoogle Places (most businesses are included automatically) and be sure that your location, phone number, hours, and other information is up-to-date. Add photos of your business or products to entice customers who find your profile. Then, start monitoring the reviews that people leave about your business. Encourage your loyal customers to leave a good review for your business on the site. This strategy is important for every small business, as over 70% of customers now use online reviews to make decisions.

If you have 20 minutes a day:

• Add Facebook and Twitter to your strategy. Start a Facebook fan page or Twitter account for your company and post about new products, sales and promotions 3-4 times a week. Keep your "friends" interested by offering tips that are relevant to your business industry. For example, a salon could offer a tip on good hair care one day, and provide information about a service or sale the next.
• Log-on to your account daily to see if your customers responded to your posts. Be sure to answer all comments and replies, whether they are good (say thanks!) or bad (address their concern). Just like you would in person, listen to what your customers are saying-you can use this information to create a new product or service.

If you have 30 or more minutes a day: Increase your number of online followers with the following strategies:

a. Include links to your Twitter and Facebook profiles in your brochures and other print materials

b. Make a sign promoting your sites and place it in your location

c. If you have an email list or Website, include links there, too!

d. Become friends with potential customers in your target market

e. Become active on blogs that your potential customers may read. For example, a restaurant in Miami might leave comments on blogs about Miami nightlife or dining.

Remember, if you can't commit enough time to manage a social media account, it's best not to open one.  Potential or current clients can get discouraged when they find your business profile, only to find outdated information. 

Get Started Now!

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 ACCION USA is a microfinance organization that offers small business loans up to $50,000 and credit and business advice to small business owners who cannot access traditional credit. Whether you own a home based business, a retail store, or you're looking for a small business startup loan, ACCION USA is here to help.

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FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS ADVICE

Looking to learn more about building good financial habits and business management techniques? ACCION USA can help. Our online resources and workshops make it easy to learn at home or in your community.


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Thinking About Starting a Business?

Thinking About Starting
If you’re thinking about starting a small business, you should start by weighing the pros and cons, so that you can make a wise decision. The resources in this section are essentially a toolkit to guide your decision-making process.


Follow These Steps to Starting a Business
Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions and completing a series of legal activities. These 10 easy steps can help you plan, prepare and manage your business. Click on the links to learn more.

Step 1: Templates for Writing a Business Plan
Use these tools and resources to create a business plan. This written guide will help you map out how you will start and run your business successfully.

Step 2: Get Business Assistance and Training
Take advantage of free training and counseling services, from preparing a business plan and securing financing, to expanding or relocating a business.

Step 3: Choose a Business Location
Get advice on how to select a customer-friendly location and comply with zoning laws.

Step 4: Finance Your Business
Find government backed loans, venture capital and research grants to help you get started.

Step 5: Determine the Legal Structure of Your Business
Decide which form of ownership is best for you: sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), corporation, S corporation, nonprofit or cooperative.

Step 6: Register a Business Name ("Doing Business As")
Register your business name with your state government.

Step 7: Get a Tax Identification Number
Learn which tax identification number you'll need to obtain from the IRS and your state revenue agency.

Step 8: Register for State and Local Taxes
Register with your state to obtain a tax identification number, workers' compensation, unemployment and disability insurance.

Step 9: Obtain Business Licenses and Permits
Get a list of federal, state and local licenses and permits required for your business.

Step 10: Understand Employer Responsibilities
Learn the legal steps you need to take to hire employees.

Startup Resources
There are a number of available programs to assist startups, micro businesses, and underserved or disadvantaged groups. The following resources provide information to help specialized audiences start their own businesses.

http://www.sba.gov/content/follow-these-steps-starting-business

Environmentally-Friendly "Green" Business
Home-Based Business
Online Business
Self Employment
Minority Owned Business
Veteran Owned Business
Woman Owned Business
You can save money when starting or expanding your business by using government surplus. From commercial real estate and cars, to furniture, computers and office equipment, find what you need for your business in one place.
http://www.sba.gov/content/follow-these-steps-starting-business