Social media is nothing less than a marketing revolution and businesses are stampeding to get in on the low-cost, high-profit ROI.
Whether this is because of the recession or in spite of it, is anybody’s guess. Millions are being made in social media by the likes of Visa (who loves Facebook), HP (partial to blogging), and Dell (making millions in Twitter by offering exclusive Twitter discounts).
Big names make big news, but businesses of all sizes are using social media. Kogi BBQ – a roving taco truck in L.A. – uses Twitter as its only advertising, letting followers know where it is at any given time.
The marketing world is undergoing a revolution of epic proportions, and those of us in the online world are in the eye of the storm. What does this mean for copywriters and VAs? Now that businesses of all sizes are seeing profit in social media, these freelancers should recognize a timely and unprecedented opportunity to add social media strategy to their services.
Many VAs are already intimately involved with their clients’ online marketing, doing light blog posts, Tweets, and the like. But understanding how to pull it all together to give the client his broadest reach online — and do it efficiently and cost-effectively — is a valuable offering indeed.
Likewise, the professional copywriter who has taken the time to study the social media landscape and add “social media strategy” to her services, is at a huge advantage over the copywriter who doesn’t. In fact, for new copywriters, I see this as a gift from the universe. By learning now what you’re going to need to learn later, you can get out ahead of those who are sleeping.
Social media marketing is not some fad. Where there are millions (billions?) being made, there will be continuity. And let’s not forget the role social media played in getting Obama elected.
Social media is here to stay, and it offer VAs and copywriters opportunity too. Learn what you need to know about the social media landscape and putting together a solid marketing strategy for your client — and yourself. Make yourself SUPER valuable to your client, and earn their appreciation through higher pay.
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Chris Marlow, the Original Copywriter’s Coach, publishes the Get Great Clients newsletter. Join her for a free live webinar on August 11/09, Social Media for Copywriters: How to Create Profitable New Income Streams for You and Your Clients.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Not only is social media a way to make money, but it is a great way to provide clients with extra communication avenues. If a client is on twitter, and they see you on there, it gives them an opportunity to tell you something they may not take the time to let you know otherwise. It increases accessibility. That is ALWAYS a good thing.
You make a great point Penny! In fact last week I was needing a service provider (a transcriptionist), put the word out on Facebook, and one of my contacts responded. By the end of the day I got my work back from her and even PAID her through paypal. Service provider found, work completed, and service provider paid all in 6 hours!
Another key benefit of sites such as Twitter and Facebook is the (at least for now) accessibility it gives you to prospects and potential partners. Most of us are so overwhelmed with email that we seek refuge in social media sites. I find that most people that would normally not respond to an email (often because their inboxes are so out of control) will respond when contacted via Twitter or Facebook. Part of it is the “newness” of this medium. But a big part is also the simplicity and fun factor of these sites.
Great points everyone. And thanks Chris for a great article! Also see this article about Twitter on this blog, by Mike Stelzner: http://thewealthyfreelancer.com/2009/05/tweet-yourself-to-more-business/