Yes that's right. I need to say it in a harsh way as well because it is as true as a penguin is black and white. South African's, in particular South African businesses are terrible at marketing on Social Media.

It's NOT Free Advertising

Social media is designed for people to keep in touch. You could maybe liken it to a group of friends at a pub having a chat. Now imagine in the middle of that group, someone keeps butting in and saying "We're offering a special on Dog pedicures. Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!!11!!!" (you're not excited enough if there are no 1's in the exclamation)

Who can tell me they wouldn't want to smack that person or at least get him thrown out? All he would succeed in doing is ruin the conversation and make sure the group never return.

Don't go posting comments promoting your business all over. The Internet is not free advertising.

SPAM Must Go

If you go through the groups on Facebook, Myspace or LinkedIn you will see posts on the pages of groups about peoples events and businesses. Littering the Internet with trails of your "marketing" is like seagull droppings all over the beach. It is NOT COOL! It is SPAM, which is interruptive and offensive. It paints your business personality as desperate and annoying. The only people who may want to deal with you then, will be fellow desperates or insecure customers. Those are probably also the same people who think they have won a prize because of the banner ad that says they are the 999,999 viewer.

SEO No

Maybe you have been told the latest buzzword that is Search Engine Optimisation. While it is a great method of improving your search rankings, going about improving your rating by littering the Internet with links is a big NoNo. That can be even worse for your business than you think. The free options online are fast running out. It is best to get into the paying market while it is still small enough to accomodate you.

Good Goals and Great Partners

When choosing an Online Marketing Strategy, or a partner to do so, it is important to look at what their goals are. If they are dead set on only bringing your site traffic then you might have to look carefully at their methods. Try find someone who is more interested in your success from online campaigns. Someone who will look at your whole online presence and match it to your brand. Someone who will help you create a great online world that sells.

Is that not what we are after? Sales.

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