Small Business Center

Social Media Strategy Step 3: Observe and listen to the communities you want to join

September 2nd, 2009 by Janet Thaeler

If you don’t listen before you participate in an social media community you can make missteps and offend the community. Before you engage in social media marketing or work with bloggers, you should take time to listen. Get familiar with the likes and dislikes of different groups online and respond appropriately. In other words, be human.

When someone is new they often make the mistake of coming on too strong. Establish relationships first, then try the big stunts. Most businesses new to participating in social networks and blogs want to jump in before they have trust or relationships within the community.  They try to be loud or find unique approaches to get attention. It’s all about...