It’s obvious that social media has completely changed the marketing business. But is it just a bunch of hoopla or is it worth the time, effort and money for your brand?

You bet your bottomline it is!

Recent social media studies report that when customers are exposed to social media content they are more likely to buy than those who weren’t (Social Media Sales Impact Study, published by Ogilvy & Mather). But that’s not all. When customers are exposed to a marketing/social media mix the likelihood to buy increases even more.

Let me introduce you to what we do here at Publicity Works – Convergence Media. The process of merging several media channels to exist and operate in synergy or better yet, harmony.

We have mastered a media mix of traditional and social platforms. Social media along with TV exposure, advertising and public relations positively impacts sales and brand awareness.  A word of caution, don’t just tweet a few times a day and throw a post on your Facebook page.  You must engage in an on-going conversation with your audience.

Get social with us on twitter @publicity_works and facebook and check out our pr manager and social media pro, Stephanie, aka @SNGsaysWhat in Hometown Life Woman today!

Running a business is hard enough and marketing your brand, product and yourself takes extra time, energy and brainpower. But to be successful and acquire more business you must do more than care for your customers, douse fires, and pay bills.

Publicity Works is here to help! We’ve come up with a few simple tips to market your business that doesn’t cost a fortune and won’t crush your cranium.

Give Thanks! We are huge fans of the personal thank you note. If someone has referred you, helped you, given you a plug via social media, let them know you appreciate it.

Blog. Even if they are brief, show the web that you have something to offer that other companies don’t.

Network like a pro. There are so many ways to connect with people in your industry as well as other vendors and contractors that could send you additional business. Find a way to connect whether it’s coffee talk, a cocktail party, linkedin or facebook.

Holler! If you like what you see let the owner of the intellectual property know you dig it. You never know what kind of products or services they may be in the market for. Introduce yourself via e-mail or social media and give them kudos. After all, everyone loves a shout-out.

Stay Current. Be sure to update your website and social media platforms with your most current work. You’d hate to be overlooked because you seem out-of-touch.

If you like what you see here give us a shout!

Follow us on twitter @publicity_works and like us on facebook.

By now a third of businesses recognize social media as a useful tool in promoting products, services and solidifying a brand identity. According to the results of a Deloitte 2009 Ethics and Workplace Survey taken last month, 30 percent of executives noted that social networking was indeed a part of their business strategy. But, as noted in the e-Marketer article, The Problem with Social Media in the Office, 55 percent did not have any sort of official policy for using the networks.

It makes us wonder – are these executives wielding the power of social networking carefully? Are they devoting the proper time and attention to the networks they have chosen – primarily Facebook and Twitter? Are they engaging other users?

Leveraging social media in the workplace is not always top-of-mind. Not all businesses that stand to benefit from this type of exposure can require their employees to sit in front of a computer screen. For those professionals, it is truly important to seek out a dedicated, experienced PR professional who can support these efforts.

Ask yourself:

A. Do I have a social networking strategy?

B. Are my social media efforts linked directly to my marketing plan?

C. Is the time spent on social networking supporting all of our efforts – event planning, specialized pricing, promoting new products and services?

D. Or is it just an afterthought?

If you answered D, it’s time to seek support to guide your efforts. Social networking requires an investment of time. When executives cannot afford to spend time using these tools correctly, the business itself stands to suffer. The message becomes fragmented.

In business, perception IS reality. So tell us, how is your company perceived? An outside perspective and social media strategy can give any company a serious edge moving forward.