In my last blog: Do You Make It Easy for the Social Media Mavens? I talked about how 20% of the people online are responsible for 80% of the content. This small group of people, according to Malcolm Gladwell are the Connectors, Mavens or Mavens. Online these are the people who write blogs, make YouTube videos, have large Twitter followings and seem to be everywhere on the internet. This role seems to be natural for some people and they would play this role with or without the internet. It is possible to learn the skills and techniques of these social movers and shakers. However for many people, businesses and causes the goal may be to make it easy for these people to find you and tell others about you. The great part about the internet and the online social media tools is that this is not expensive and is fairly easy to do. So if you have a small business, nonprofit organization or cause what can you do to make it easy for others?

Social Networking Tips

Here are five things you can do now to help get yourself found on online social media and to help others spread the word.

1. Establish Your Online Presence:
   This not only means establishing a website but other online profiles where people can find you and/or your services. If you have a brick and mortar business establish your Google Places, Yelp page and Foresquare account. Update your personal and business LinkedIn profiles. Get listed on trade and association websites and directories.
2. Sharing Platforms:
   Set up your accounts on Twitter and Facebook to give people a place to interact with you and your business. Enable comments and reviews on your webpages and social sites.
3. Easy Connections:
   When someone comes to your website do not make it difficult to interact with you and share information with others. Put links to your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Foresquare and other social media accounts on the top of every page on your website. Put social sharing buttons on each page, not only your blogs. When someone has to look for the Digg or Tweet-this button it is too late.
4. Optimize Your Website:
   This simply means use keywords and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tools to make it easy for search engines, and the people who use them, to find you and your services. This is one of the most effective ways to get found online.
5. Interact and stay active:
   Even if you are not part of the small group of Connectors, Mavens or Salesmen it is important to pay attention, monitor your network and respond to opportunities. If someone writes a great review online or complements you on Twitter then acknowledge it and thank them. If someone writes a bad review then let them know you heard them and offer a solution. Let people know someone is home.

Adding a twist to the 80/20 Rule Woody Allen said, “Eighty percent of success is showing up.” On the internet showing up simply means having a web presence that is easy to find and easy to share. At Image Media Partners we help businesses, nonprofits and people get found on the web. Contact us for a no-obligation website assessment and let us know what you do to show up on the web in the comments section below.

Photo Credit: Ethan Hein