Do you know how much You help local businesses by sharing your experience on Social Media?

I remember when I first started trying to play in the sandbox with self-proclaimed competitors by advertising online and opening up to Social Media marketing.  As a small business I tried to pay for training for employees to better educate themselves on how to manage websites and social media, but I soon found that approach not to be very successful – we got behind on the actual work we needed to do. And, in some cases, I discovered that I actually financed others to start their own businesses before they had a chance to help my business.

As a business owner you have to just take the punch and go on when that happens.

Unfortunately, the more I learned the more I realized that “pop-up” businesses that are looking for a quick buck can actually purchase things like Facebook Page “Likes” or reader “engagements and comments”.

I, too, considered trying to do some of these same things to compete, but thankfully, after digging deeper, I discovered that Facebook and Google have means of trying to protect businesses from this false presentation. However, I know of many businesses that sneak by and continue to do try these deceptive business practices.

I knew that much of what some competitors appeared to be doing in social media just wasn’t on the up-and-up. When a new business pops up and immediately has 50,000 Facebook page likes, you know in your heart that’s a scam.  Does the consumer recognize it? I don’t think so.

I also found that not all website and digital marketing companies are true to their word. I took many wrong roads and lots of wasted money, before I finally settled with a company that is honest and truthful.

Focus on the Things That Matter

As small business owners, it’s hard for us to be great at everything. We have to rely on other professionals to help us learn and navigate through the social media marketing strategies and learn how to read Google analytical reports and pick the right keywords and keep them up to date…blah, blah blah!!!

You see this has nothing to do with my passion to be a beekeeper. In fact, it’s hard for me to be both.

I know many Master Beekeepers that are much smarter than me and are also good at blogging and are successful in the social media arena – awesome and great for them…Hip, Hip Hooray! However, they just don’t openly discuss how they constantly have issues with their bees dying.

You Can’t Always be Great at Beekeeping and Social Media Marketing!

I’m sure some will disagree with this sentiment, but I mean no disrespect to those that can do both. I just know for me, it’s important for our company to be solely focused on producing the best local honey possible and providing the best customer service.

How Can You Help Your Local Small Businesses?

First of all, think local, buy local! Studies show that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned business, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers, and farms — further strengthening the economic base of the whole community.

Secondly, tell your friends! And, one of the best ways to share with your friends about your experience is through social media. I hope you take the time to help us promote beekeeping across our state and beyond and introduce the public about ways to keep the honeybees alive and help us build a great agri-tourism facility in Pickens for honeybee lovers.

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