Is Your Website Ready for Social Media Visitors?

Ready to take the plunge into the Social Media pool? Eager to Tweet about your business and industry, post links on Facebook and generate a buzz online?

Before you begin rubbing elbows in the social media world, take a critical look at your website.

Imagine this:

  • An expert in your industry now follows you on Twitter. After several exchanges, he decides he likes your style and decides to check out your site to learn more about you and your business.
  • New Facebook fans see that you really know your stuff, judging by your insightful updates and posts. They visit your site to devour more content and take in more of your expertise.
  • A new contact on LinkedIn saw your status update on that new presentation you’re working on and goes to your site in hopes of finding more details.

Will your website do your social media efforts justice?! Too many businesses try social media on for size, only to send visitors and fans to a site that’s outdated, static and suffering from content anemia.

If your site looks more like an online business card and less like a fan-engaging website, consider the following steps:

1) Convert your site into a social media hub.

hub

Today, About Us and FAQ pages won’t set you apart—no matter how well they’re written. To play strategically online, you need a site that allows you to build unique content at any time. Now, when you Tweet about a new event or give Facebook fans your take on a controversial industry topic, you can bring them to your site where you posted relevant content that same day. Perhaps your followers or customers are asking a common question on the networks. Instead of trying to answer the same question on 10 networks you can post a link to the blog where you answered the question, in depth.

2) Create a home base.

Your new site should provide a directory of links to make it easy for visitors to find you on all networks. Also, give yourself room to showcase your latest Tweets, pictures and social media activity through modules and feeds that feature your social content (similar to the Twitter Feed you see to the right of this post). Your social media activity will say a lot about your company, your brand and your style. Why not gather it and feature it in one place?!

3) Build your following.

Fans aren’t just for Facebook anymore. Create unique content that offers real value to your visitor and they won’t want to miss a beat! Make it easy for them to follow your blog/site by providing links to your RSS feed and email updates. As you blog, invite them to post their comments below each blog post. Make it easy for your most avid fans to interact and keep in touch!

4) Develop a voice for your business.

Social media is forcing companies to shed their marketing jargon, formal copywriting and corporate speak. Today, the most transparent brand wins. Think about your company’s personality online. If you’re a sole proprietorship, it’s easy. You ARE your brand. But, if you’re a larger company or corporation, this can be more challenging. Don’t overthink it. Step out from behind the corporate mask and begin “speaking” as you would if you were at a trade show, industry event or conference. You wouldn’t introduce yourself by reciting your company’s mission statement. You’d strike up a conversation about the latest industry buzz, a new idea or even offer some educated advice. Try that on for size as you write new site content and you’ll find your new social media voice will follow.

Deana Goldasich

Deana Goldasich, CEO and founder of Well Planned Web, plans and implements Content Marketing to help clients nurture leads, market their expertise and create an impactful presence online.

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8 Comments

  1. […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Deana Goldasich, Deana Goldasich. Deana Goldasich said: Is Your Website Ready for Social Media Visitors? http://ow.ly/wZLV […]



  2. Glenn Sakamoto on November 9, 2009 at 4:40 pm

    Thank you. This is good stuff to know!



  3. Vaike O'Grady on November 11, 2009 at 6:02 am

    The website is still the key…it’s not just not an online brochure. It takes time and dedication to move the ship. But this is right-on and very relevant to our world today!



  4. Deana Goldasich on November 11, 2009 at 6:28 am

    I agree, Vaike, that a website is not just an online brochure. However, so many companies are content with creating a site and walking away–hence calling it a “brochure.” Perhaps I’m referring more to the mentality than the actual product itself. I’ve made a career out of producing valuable content, so definitely recognize the value and critical need for informational and marketing pages. No question.

    However, the constantly updated content and social-media-friendliness is what just as critical these days in order to hold a two-way conversation with a very new and evolving audience. Thanks SO much for participating in THIS conversation, too! 🙂



  5. goldasich on August 19, 2010 at 5:34 pm

    @Ambiesue: Thanks Amber for the RT of “Is Your Website Ready for Social Media Visitors?” https://www.wellplannedweb.com/2009/10/we



  6. TimeTrax_ET on August 20, 2010 at 8:57 am

    RT @goldasich: @Ambiesue: Thanks Amber for the RT of “Is Your Website Ready for Social Media Visitors?” https://www.wellplannedweb.com/2009/10/we



  7. Ivan on June 20, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    Hi Deana – the website as hub graphic is great and the company I work for would like to use it (fully attributed of course) in Web/SEO/Social Media training we provide for SME members of Fáilte Ireland (the Irish Tourism Authority). If you own the copyright can you grant this permission, and if not perhaps let me know who does? Many thanks!



  8. Deana Goldasich on June 20, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    Hi Ivan! Please send me an email at info@wellplannedweb.com and we can discuss offline. Thanks!