Social Media tools for Small Business growth

Small Businesses are the heart of America. They provide local to national services and encourage growth in our economy. At one point everyone has thought about running their own business. It could be a bar, record shop, grocery store or even a comic book shop. Many people work hard and finally get their business running. They are proud, and should be. Not everyone has the gumption to open and sustain their dream.

Whether you are just opened, or already running your operation; you will always need to advertise your business. Advertising is the ambition of your business. You use it to operate effectively and create new ways to drive traffic to you. Now days online advertising has become the new norm. World Internet users are estimated around 2 billion. That number is estimated to reach half the world population within the next 2 years. Companies can only benefit from online advertising, but what networks do they use? It depends on your business model but there is something for everyone on each of these platforms.

Facebook: The obvious choice for personal networking but how can a business utilize it? By showcasing your brand awareness and personality. You can manage groups and subscribe to companies. Facebook is one of the most personal networks. Therefore you can tell your stories of success or 'about you' pages on a personal level.

Twitter: By following and re-tweeting links your target audience rewards you with loyalty. Posting your own updates and information regularly provides consistent intrigue in your brand. The strategy of Twitter is not just about your followers...but the fact that your tweets go out to to the Public. Your businesses tweets find people and companies you never thought to reach.

LinkedIn: The network for B2B and B2C. This is an entire web page based on networking with like minded business professionals that will take you more seriously than a person on Facebook. You can join or start a group about your business and get rated on your skills and expertise.

Google+ : Google's network has combined Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. You are able to post, share, comment, read articles, and contact company profiles. Not much else can be said here that hasn't already been said.

Tumblr: This is a Blogging network. If you have a product or service, you need to write about it. People don't just need to hear about your business, they need to read it for themselves. Blog about your company and it's achievements. More people will follow you if you have good content that superbly portrays your business.

StumbleUpon: They recommend sites for you. If I look for Telecom associated people, StumbleUpon will recognize my search and introduce others that are similar. They do the work for you!

Pinterest: A Photo sharing Pin board. Start a profile and post pictures/flyer's/ drawings/ or invitations to your profile page. Those are then 'Pinned' to Pinterest and showcased by others who have seen and shared your content.

Instagram: Now owned and integrated into Facebook, it still can be used separately. They are the top photo sharing app and share your photo's to the public network. Photo's of your new product or flyer reach new audiences and attract traffic to your profile. From there they can contact or view your other websites or platforms.

YouTube: Video sharing has the biggest benefit by far. You can provide commercial size or full length videos that present and inform the world about your product. 'How to' videos lead people to subscribe to your services. You can even earn an income if your content is good enough to be viewed thousands or millions. Events, shows, video blogs, etc. can all lead world interest to your business brand.

Vimeo; Similar to YouTube but with a more artistic kick. Users that use YouTube also view Vimeo videos. This can drive traffic in the same way.

Blogs: Whether it be on Blogger, WordPress or Tumblr, every business should write about their achievements. Blogs are also great for answering Frequently Asked Questions. Subscribers and followers increase enough to provide you with an income eventually. Reviews of new product's always earn the trust of your consumers. Great writing has always been appreciated and followed.

These are simple and free tools any business owner can utilize to drive traffic to their company. Using all of these increases your chances of building a better business. If you do it frequently and correctly you will never need to purchase advertising space or higher a Marketing executive. We have free tools in front of us that are begging for you to use them. They can only help your company and growth.

Things will not happen overnight. You have to keep at it and grow your social presence over time. But then again, I'm sure you didn't create your company in a day and night. You implemented your company over time. The same goes for your advertising campaigns. Work consistently on marketing your company and remember that you have free tools ready to be used.