What's been said!

Must Dos in 2009 **Updated**

In December 2008, we set out the top six activities that must be done in 2009. Read the original article - Must Dos in 2009. It’s now May and how have these predictions fared?

The marketing revolution is even larger and more widespread than we predicted. TV networks in UK have reported record losses. Commentators question the longevity of printed newspapers.  So, it really is out with broadcasting and in with relationships and collaboration.

Writing in December 2008, we saw technology would change the way we market but really played down the impact it would have on what information was delivered through this media.

Writing now, we urge you to consider how you show people your expertise by sharing content, offering assistance and capturing interest.

Using the same priorities of the original article, how do our six fare?

So, to get you started, the must dos are

  1. Formulate your Content Strategy           **New Entrant**

To make the most of social media, you have to be clear about what you want people to think of you, what you will be delivering now and over time. Social Media and social networking is a long term activity where you are building your presence, your reputation and your credibilty over time.

People will store your articles, your reports. They will remember your tweets, comments on forums – so be clear about what you are going to deliver.

Why wasn’t it part of the original 6?
Well, it was an oversight – something that we thought was obvious but experience has shown otherwise. Not having a content strategy is probably the number one reason for people not continuing with social media or using the push techniques to sell, sell, sell.

  1. Get a Twitter Account

Just as we predicted, Twitter hit mainstream. Twitter and what people are tweeting has been mentioned on radio and TV. The twitter phenomenon has been featured on BBC TV, The Guardian and The Telegraph.

And, of course, where there’s success, there’s spam – but don’t let that you off.

If you haven’t taken the plunge so far or want to make better use of Twitter, download our free report on How to do Twitter for Business

  1. Create a Group and Fan Page on Facebook

Active people on Facebook are now reported to be in excess of 200m that’s nearly double the number published in December 2008.

So, still a must do!

Develop your vision for Facebook and prepare your content. Create a groups page and/or a fan page. Make it fun and engaging and people will arrive, comment. You will learn, build trust and grow your business.

  1. Groups and Networks

Reckon this should have been listed in the number 2 spot. Social networking is really very hot!

Sure this includes Facebook, but sites like Linkedin, ColectiveX, Ning and the myriad of forums, networking sites have grown hugely over the past few months.

Linkedin has over 38m business people – not to be ignored! So, make the most of building your reputation, credibility not to mention using LinkedIn as a giant Roladex, it’ll be worth it!

There’s a How to use Linkedin for Business report available free for download.

  1. Information Products

As we said before, these will continue to grow and really make the most of the marketing revolution moving away from pushing out sales message to pulling people to you by what you say and how you say it.

Information Products can be both paid for and free.

  1. Google Applications and Tools

Google Reader and Alerts are essential but are only the start. There are bookmarking sites, blogs news aggregators and applications to build your exposure and make it easier for you to manage your social media presence.

  1. Subjects, Titles, Headings

Well from our analysis, headlines, subject headings are proving to be a criteria for deciding whether to read or not!

Time is the one thing we have in seemingly decreasing amounts. So, we have to have criteria for deciding what we will be spending our time and attention on.

Guess, what that is?

Yep! You got it – our choice of headlines – subject lines in emails.

So, if your emails, newsletters and posts are getting opened, then change your wording.
A catchy, easy to understand title in less than 35 characters will be necessary to avoid the delete or back key.

If you’re thinking that you need help with this, then MaxWeb provides all the help. It’s a monthly programme that takes you step by step through how to build your content strategy, which tools to use when, how to make sure your website captures all the interest generated by your tweeting, linkedin activity etc and a look at the bigger picture in marketing and changes in business.

Don’t just read these seven activities and skip to the next article. Each item takes time to set up. They have to be co-ordinated with your existing activities. So, set time aside to work out how, when, and what you will be doing in 2009.

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Karen Purves is the Chief Marketer at Have More Clients, creator of the Marketing Iceberg System and Director of MaxWeb. Her passion is marketing and making it work for others. She works with clients as a mentor, trainer and consultant – you choose the way that best suits you. Take a look at http://havemoreclients.com/articles.html for more articles and reports to download