I’ve always believed in the notion that we must cultivate and nurture our clients if we wish to foster natural, meaningful, organic relationships. Social media marketing - via sites like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Hubpages is all about paying it forward. In other words, taking time to giving consideration to placing the needs, interests, and strategic goals of others before our own - at least some of the time. I say this, because we should of course always be looking out for our own interests. We just need to be sure that we take time to keep the social part of social media alive and well.

Hey, Thought You Might Like to Read This...

Remember in the "good old days," when top marketing experts would suggest that we collect clipped or photocopied newspaper or magazine articles our higher-ups or customers might find useful, and then offer them as a means of building our reputation as intuitiveve, informed, and valuable individuals?

This is pretty much the concept we need to using to drive our social media efforts - only now - we can send links through services like Twitter! Pepper these links with the right hashtags -and we can gain followers who are like minded folks that felt they themselves recieved some benefit from the little golden nuggets we've found!

Each "hey, thought you might like to read this after our last conversation" Tweet brings us one step closer to clients and customers thinking "Hey, that person is a darned useful member of my network!"

The Post-Man May Only Ring Twice, But You Should Deliver News and Tips More Often...

It is very useful, as we move ahead with our respective Search Engine Marketing and Social Media Marketing efforts, that we develop some sort of repeatable process - a routine.

I like to look at my social network as a neighborhood. On a flexible but orderly schedule, I pop by and say ¡Hola! to folks, leave some useful tips, news and information, and then get the heck out of their way.

Remember: It’s never about making the sale. At least not overtly. You'll develop your book of business over time. For now - just plant a few seeds in quality soil (carefully selected / targeted contacts) and water, water, water!

Oh - and a Sunny Disposition always helps!

In closing, look at brand and reputation building as an important part of your long term (long-tail) SEO efforts. Stick with it, and you’re sure to see results that stick with you!

CALL TO ACTION: Have you experimented with social media marketing? Have a story to share? Comment here so we can all learn together!