Have you seen The Late Show with David Letterman?

Each episode has a top ten list (the first list was “Top Ten Things That Almost Rhyme With Peas”). The lists are often humorous in theme and based on current events (“Top 10 Money Saving Tips for Valentine’s Day,” “Indianapolis Colts Top 10 Excuses,” etc.). Okay, enough about David Letterman… Let’s review the list of top ten rules for online social marketing.

Are you marketing on social media today? What is your marketing strategy and plan for using social sites? Are you following all the “rules”? As you know, social media is here to stay, and to be effective, you need to have a game plan for using these technologies. Today, I am going to share the list of top 10 rules to be effective in online social marketing. These rules were shared by Terri Murphy (President and Founder of WomensWisdomNetwork.com) after interviewing Paul Chaney, social media expert and author of “The Digital Hanshake.” Are you following these today?

Rule #1 – Pull… don’t push.

With new tools, there are new rules. You have to know how to participate and remember that old school marketing doesn’t work in today’s world.

Rule #2 – Earn the right to be heard.

Add value. Add value. Add value. Share your content. Your value as a participant is judged by the value you provide. Add value.

Rule #3: Content is still king, conversation is queen, conversion is prince.

There’s nothing better than relevant, well-written content, including blog posts, tweets, webinars, and podcasts. Be an informed expert. And remember, keep the content and the business separate.

Rule #4 – Authenticity and Transparency.

Be real, be open, and be honest. You will make mistakes and that is okay. When you make mistakes, admit it, and then move on and improve.

Rule #5 – You don’t have to be on every social network.

It will not survive if you try to be on all available networks. It is literally impossible to be everywhere. You have to be where your customers are.

Rule #6 – Give and you shall receive.

I love this Zig Ziglar quote Terri Murphy shared, “Take a servile attitude.” You need to freely give value WITHOUT COMPLIANCE. You’ll be surprised how this kind of attitude will help build long-lasting, credible relationships.

Rule #7 – Don’t completely abandon traditional marketing.

Most of the traditional marketing rules still apply and the key here is how you integrate social media into your marketing plan. Think of it this way… Social media is just another channel to build your brand and market. Social media is not a replacement and you should continue to use multiple marketing methods.

Rule #8: Social media is a way of thinking.

When you’re planning your marketing strategy, you need to include social media in your mindset. To integrate Social Media into your marketing plan, you must change your strategy and mindset.

Rule #9 – Be yourself.

This is very important… Use a real photo and your real name. People want to relate to and trust the people they have built a relationship with (not someone with a cartoon character for their profile picture!). Building trust is key in today’s marketing.

Rule #10: Social media continues to evolve.

Because social media is new and continues to develop, there is room for testing, tweaking, and new concepts. Continue testing, adjusting, and measuring your results.

As you know, the Internet and these social websites are not going anywhere… Use the Ten Rules above to make the best use of your Social Media Marketing.

For your success and your dreams,

andrea petoskey