Do I Need a Website for My Social Media?

“Do I need a website for my social media?”

Recently, a friend asked me this question.

He wanted to use social media to grow his business and wanted to start vetting website developers.

My friend wanted advice on how to proceed.

I don’t think he expected the advice that I gave him!

I recommended not rushing out and spending money now.  Money can always be spent later.

My preferences are to proceed programmatically with a social media program and to maximize the use of free and near free tools first.

I have several reasons for this approach.

First, one offs like just setting up a website without thinking holistically about your social media approach typically don’t work well in my experience.  

Next, in social media, or any business venture for that matter, you shouldn’t spend money until you know how it’ll benefit you.  (That old concept of ROI just won’t die!)

Finally, a layered approach to social media beginning with selecting social media channels that map to your goals and objectives, supported with a robust content strategy, and a disciplined approach to growing your communities is a good start before you even start thinking about a website and the costs associated with it.  The materials and concepts developed with this approach can be leveraged and reused when the appropriate time to start considering a website arises.

My recommendations for small and mid-sized businesses considering using social media are:

1. Develop and document a social media program and then execute against it
2. Start small, you don’t have to use all the social media channels at once
3. Experiment before you spend any money with me or anyone else
4. Don’t rush
5. Shop around to identify professionals who will take the time to understand your business and not just sell you a canned solution.

Social media is seen by many as intimidating and complicated.  Sadly, many in the business make it seem this way for their own purposes.

But, social media doesn’t have to be this way as long as you approach it correctly.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and to fail!

Just remember to fail fast!

That’s it for now!

In the meantime, thank you for following and reading my blog!

I look forward to any and all comments that you may have.  I will reply to any comments made to this blog post as promptly as I can.

Remember!

I do this for a living and if I can be of any assistance to either you or your organization, please feel free to call on me.  Our initial discussion will be of no charge to you.

I’m always willing to help you out with your social media program!

I can also be reached at conpsweeney@someddi.com.

My Twitter handle is @conpsweeney.

Stay well!