Tales From a Newbie in Social Media Land

If you’re like me, the land of “social media” and “internet marketing” is fairly new, a bit intimidating, often overwhelming , and sometimes confusing as hell (TMI – too much information!). I wouldn’t call myself a social media blockhead and I will be the first to admit I’m learning — everyday. I think a lot of folks wandering in the social media wonderland are asking the same question — where do I begin?

• How do I find people that are in need of my products and services?
• How do I start a conversation with customers and build relationships with those that are truly interested in the value I provide?
• How do I create vibrant and value packed content?
• How do I create an avenue to drive traffic to my products and services?
• How do I build a strong connection with my customers to gain their trust?
• How do I proliferate content that I have created online?
• How do I create content that engages my readers and customers?
• How do I use Twitter effectively to build my brand and attract new clients?
• How do I use Twitter to find the right people that are interested in the value I provide?
• How do I use Twitter to connect with people that are interested in the topics I care about?
• And so on…

If you’re like me and getting started in social media and internet marketing — whether you’re an entrepreneur, blogger, coach, consultant, writer, speaker, or someone that just wants to expand the reach of your voice — read on.

My first great find was Sarah Prout, founder of SPROUT PUBLISHING. She’s this quirky, savvy entrepreneur that, hands down, understands how to create content that helps newbies like you and me with social media. At age 19 she founded her own company. At 19 I was sowing my wild oats in Breckenridge — far from thinking about being an entrepreneur. I digress. Not really, though. Because what I’m trying to tell you is that this woman is good — really good. I ordered her SPROUT BUZZ eCourse and it’s like she was in my head answering my questions. It was a bit spooky. I wish I would have found her six months ago! I cannot say enough about this eCourse. The sales process was seamless and I received my PDF eCourse immediately. I love excellent customer service and knock your socks off valuable products! Go Sarah – keep doing great work!

My next great find was Tweet Adder — a must have for any serious entrepreneur. When I first started using Twitter it seemed like a teenage wasteland for people with short attention spans. I didn’t really understand how to engage effectively and productively (one can waste valuable time finding followers, responding to direct messages, and weeding through tweets). Tweet Adder has helped me automate tasks and find targeted followers for my business. It’s like having my own personal assistant without any overhead! The time this product has saved me frees me up to focus on engaging with my target audience and creating great great content. It took me five minutes to purchase, install, and get started. It was so easy even my Mom could use this product and she’s not a savvy tech lady, but a sweetheart none the less. This is definitely a product I will use and promote for newbies that don’t want to waste their precious time fumbling on Twitter.  Check it out.

These two products have helped me focus and use my time wisely.

What do you think? What is your story about getting started with social media and internet marketing?

Onward social media newbies — we shall prevail!

~Melissa

Baby mantis photo credit: woodleywonderworks

Tagged as: FaceBook, Internet Marketing, LinkedIn, Social Media, Twitter