Archive for the ‘Social Networking’ Category
Use social networking to strengthen your business
Thursday, October 30th, 2008
This morning I read an article in The Metro’s business section titled ‘cast a wide net’. In the article, Laura Shannon provides real examples of how start-ups and small businesses are widening and strengthening their networks by using websites such as Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn. In an era of financial crisis, using existing platforms is a cost effective and simple way of connecting with existing and new customers.
“Websites are a cheap and effective way for start-ups to promote themselves” – Laura Shannon
As a business owner you are able to use BView in a similar way but you also benefit from your listing appearing higher up in search engines. BView is a large community of customers and businesses, the platform provides the chance for business owners to carve their own community within BView. The community works in many ways and relationships are not just one way between business and customer.
Relationships in the BView Community
The BView community is made up of different types of relationships
Businesses <-> Customers
Businesses and customers connect. Businesses can share their news, address customer concerns and foster relationships. Customers can have their voice heard and can use BView to support local or national businesses.
Customers <-> Customers
Customers can connect with other customers. They become better informed about businesses, highlight rogue traders as a group and are able to seek advice within the BView community. Customers are more likely to enquire about your business if they read the good experiences of others.
Businesses <-> Businesses
Businesses are able to recommend other businesses. This makes it easier to share suppliers and also benefit from referrals. As mentioned in BT’s Upload magazine, on BView it is possible to check the credit score of another business before deciding to trade.
Simon and I have put together a few tips to help you efficiently manage and optimise your online listings. We have also provided examples of how businesses are customising their listings.
Tags: BView, customer service, laura shannon, marketing, online marketing, small businesses, Social Networking, the metro
Posted in Business, Social Networking | 1 Comment »