5 Steps To Instant Social Media ROI That Any Business Owner Can Benefit From

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Many business owners I have worked and talked with admit that they are a bit clueless when it comes to making Social Media marketing work for them. "Do I try and get advertising for free, or pay for Adwords?" one business owner mused, and the answer is that she'll probably want to do both.

When starting the process, Rule #1 dates back to a proverb we have heard over and over again and often ignore: "You have to give to receive." Okay, but what does that mean in business? It means that if you want more return on your investment (ROI) you've got to share something of value without expecting anything in return. What will this get you? It will get you potential customers that click on your link. When they do, that will lead them to a squeeze page where they'll give you their contact information.

But if you haven't given them any value, they'll have no incentive to click. Results: You'll get Nothing.

Nada.

Zip.

Zero.

To change all that, follow these three easy steps:

Step 1: Have something of value to share with potential customers.

Step 2: Have a squeeze page in place for them to put their contact information.

Step 3: Ask them to "Like" you on Facebook or invite them to sign up for a newsletter or updates.

This simple three-step process works in a number of ways. One, it builds credibility and shows the potential customers that you know what you're talking about. Two, it is an easy way for potential customers to "opt in", without feeling like they are being cornered into buying something. Three, it gives you a social media link beyond what you would be able to do on your own.

"I get a thrill," one entrepreneur told me, "when I see people on Facebook sharing what they just ordered, how much they liked it, and encouraging people to come to my store. The minimal amount I pay for Google Adwords has given me back beyond what I could have accomplished by just putting out fliers. It's essentially free advertising." Clearly this business owner's return on investment exceeded his cost of advertising. That's how it's supposed to work. The power of the Internet is not to be denied. Nor is the power of Value.

So, how can you reap the bennies of a successful social media campaign? To begin, follow these 5 simple steps:

Step 1. Create something of value that people can get with just a click. The "something of value" might be a newsletter, updates, an e-book, daily tips…whatever you come up with that you feel would be of worth to the potential customer. For this first time out, don't make them fill in a squeeze page, or "like" you, or anything like that. Just let them have the information.

Step 2. Remember that you have to ask for whatever it is that you want, so in your "special something", be sure to include a call-to-action that leads them to a You Tube, or VSL (Virtual Sales Letter) that talks them through what you are promoting and shares stories of success others have had with your product or service.

Step 3. In order for them to get to the You Tube or VSL, invite them to "Like" you on Facebook or visit a landing page to gain access to the videos.

Step 4. Use Google AdWords and/or Facebook Offers to increase awareness of your product or service.

Step 5. Guide them to your money back guarantee if the You Tube or VSL asks them to invest in something you are offering. What does this accomplish? For one, to grow a successful business, you must gain the trust of potential customers.

By following these simple steps, you allow visitors to feel comfortable about exploring your product or service, and offer them a safety net, should they be initially skeptical. One avenue to explore through Social Media that has proven successful for business owners is developing an effective email campaign.

If you are just starting an email campaign and are wondering how best to begin:

A. Find a service provider that feels right for goals and finances. These include: AWeber Constant Contact, Infusionsoft , MailChimp and others.

B. Start small. Ask for just a name and email address - nothing more, to build your initial list.

C. Create a landing page with bulleted, short, captivating copy that encourages viewers to become part of your email subscription plan, defining the key points of what they'll receive by accepting.

D. Create separate themed email campaigns through your autoresponder function that gives viewers access to e-books, events, your blog or website, your newsletter, and any other "service" you might offer.

E. Add functions to encourage sharing. These might include a "Share with Friends" button, or an invite for them to share on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

F. Encourage comments and feedback.

G. Consider doing a Joint Venture with a strategic business alliance in which you plug each others' newsletters or blogs, special offers or events.

H. Promote e-books, free offers, special events, whatever you have going on regularly to be sure to keep your company at the forefront of your potential customers' minds.

Of course, the content of your email campaign will have to be compelling enough for your viewer to want to take an action. The bottom line? It's time to change your outlook if you view social media as "another crack in your already full plate", and therefore something to avoid. Remember that old proverb dating back to the 1500s that's still true today: "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth?" It means, of course that if something is given to you, don't be extra critical of it. Instead, be grateful. Social Media truly is a gift. Feed it wisely and it keeps on giving.

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