The Internet is a great way to sell, but how do you find the right people online? Check out some of these small companies and web sites that can help your sales force effectively use social media.
- Online vendors – eBay and Craigslist are great ways to reach a large market, but find a niche market for what you sell. Check out sites like www.clickbank.com or www.amazon.com to find categories or sites like www.etsy.com to direct sell your products/services.
- Promotion – Once you find the right place, let people know you’re there. Your sales people can promote products on Twitter and create a company fan page on Facebook.
- Group buying – This is becoming more popular with sites like Groupon, Deals for Deeds and Social Buy. Remember that most of these sites are regional so make sure you find one in your area or one that will sell your products online.
- Foursquare – This is a powerful tool, allowing salespeople to offer rewards/special deals to loyal customers or new ones. Some businesses offer certain discounts only on Foursquare. It’s a great way to measure the effectiveness of specific promotions.
Regardless of which route you pursue, beware of one thing – preserving your brand. Define your brand and determine how to market it without compromising your authenticity. Then you can use social media to sell your products or services with real results.
If you have advice to share on how to use social media in sales, please share your comments below.
Frances Starr, Director of Sales & Marketing for Alert Communications. Alert Communications provides 24/7 call answering support including: Call Center Service, Live Answering Service, Spanish Answering Service, Attorney Answering Service, Virtual Receptionist Service.
