How Social Media Fits Into Your Marketing Strategy

You may have asked yourself, "How can I implement social media into my marketing mix?" Many business owners like yourself are considering social media as a marketing strategy for their business. However, they wonder if it is worth their time and how much time will it take.

Here is a model marketing mix that may help you put social media in perspective:

Social Media: 11%
Email: 19%
Pay-Per-Click Advertising: 21%
Website: 27%
Search Engine Optimization: 10%
Online Display Advertising: 6%
Other - Blogs, PR, etc.: 6%

While social media helps to brand you and your business and generate interest, it should only be a small part of the marketing pie. The key is to experiment in various types of media. Try posting a banner ad on an industry website. Spend the time to update your website regularly with promotions and new offerings. Dedicate time to creating a monthly newsletter for your clients.

It is important to leverage all of your marketing efforts by tying them all together. For example, if you have a current promotion going on, make sure it's on your website, social media sites, in your newsletter and your online banner ad. If you have a Facebook business page and/or Twitter profile, make sure you have that link posted on your website, banner ad and your newsletter as well.

How much time does social media devour? Think of it this way: It's free - you're spending time instead of money. You should be promoting competitive offers on your products and/or services weekly. You should be posting mentions of you and your company on a daily basis.

Social media makes promoting offers, events and your brand very quick and easy while reaching people that want to receive your information. Therefore, it should be a part of your marketing plan.