I recently engaged myself into a conversation on Linkedin where the outcome led me to become the "manager" of a Group on Linkedin focused on Concierge and Errand Running "service providers" of the WORLD! Yes, I said it, THE WORLD!

Kind of amazing if you ask me, and what's best you might ask? These service providers are EAGER to get their business noticed, followed, and most of all shared throughout their Community and the communities of their followers. Since my business relates to this in a way, I stepped up, and addressed the Community, and ultimately won the trust of the woman who gave me the title.

That got me thinking, especially about this Web Tech Buzz idea we've got going. What does it take? Here's my 10 cents.

Social Media Marketing

• If you're going big, (and yes, you should ALWAYS go big!) you need to establish all of the necessary accounts. Make sure when setting up accounts that you fill out ALL options with correct information, including your business name, your physical address and a creative, and most of all effective "about" section.
• Assuming that you have a website, (even if it's a one-pager that just holds enough information for someone to call or write to you for inquiries) it's in your best interest to establish SEO with Google, Bing, and their respected website validation utilities.
• You'll need to start collecting pictures, video and audio (if applicable) to form posts that can be repeated if necessary. You can find "royalty free" photo sites with a quick search online, and establish an account with your favorite for quick, easy access. I also recommend getting an account with online cloud storage such as Dropbox, Google Drive or Box.
• Since you'll be busy "running the show" you'll want to assign a day/time to form-process for the following week, and move forward week-by-week. Remember to keep things fresh, don't repeat content too close together, but have that "go-to" post that let's the public know who you are and what you do just in case you're busy and need a filler.
• Develop several, and I mean SEVERAL call-to-action posts that you can elaborate on if necessary.

Let's dive a little deeper into each major (popular) social network, and I know there are many, so let's start with the big three.

Facebook -

My biggest lead generator on Facebook has been their Groups feature. Similar to Twitter's lists, Facebook Groups offers owners the ability to crowd together like-minded people (in my case, business owners) who have a similar interest in mind (in my case, networking). That being said, I recommend joining as many local Groups as possible — and if there aren't many, MAKE ONE. In these Groups you should focus on content sharing, and commenting on at least five other business posts with supportive mentality. Post informational content that describes what you're selling with precision. Include pictures, and utilize the ability to link to your website wherever possible.

Twitter -

Given Twitter's super fast-paced flow, you'll want to use it to talk with your community, almost like a coffee shop. Spend quality chunks of time engaging with something that you read. An easy way to do so would be to "favorite" a post. Twitter saves these favorites that you select in your own profile, so you may view them at a later time, for even more engagement. Also, you must use #hashtags. Hashtags, as I've mentioned in previous columns, are those cute, bold little words that appear after a #, and ultimately end up as search results when selected. Just think of the possibilities. I've noticed that it's best to go "broad" with your hashtags. Don't get too wordy. Twitter is also pretty awesome for their "list" feature. A list on Twitter is a grouping of people that you, as the owner, can create where the members’ tweets will all show up in one place. Look for lists to follow and to be a part of. Lists, in my opinion, are a great way to crowd together posts that you know will be interesting, entertaining or thought provoking.

LinkedIn -

What I consider best practice on LinkedIn is also their Groups feature. Same principle: members can post, admins can overrule and everyone's happy. Groups here will give members the option to promote themselves, their business or any links they might want to share. You even have the option to give promotions out, or post a job opening, if the need should arise. In my experience, Groups on LinkedIn are focused on business related adventures, blog posts and community interaction.

With all of the big three that we've touched on here, the same rules apply. First things first, make those profiles SHINE! If at first you don't succeed, try, try again...If you're truly new to any of these accounts, take it easy, find your niche and fall in love. If you're an expert, give it a go, try something new, spice things up!

Daniel Richman is interested in helping small businesses and start-ups achieve their social media and online marketing goals. Marketing through social media is a great tool if understood and implemented properly. Social media is about quality, not quantity. Daniel’s goal is to help you be creative and innovative and he is excited to answer your questions.

Daniel lives with his family in Camden. He is interested in helping small businesses and start-ups achieve their social media marketing goals. Marketing through social media is a great tool if understood and implemented properly. Social media is about quality, not quantity. Through his column, Daniel will strive to help you be creative and innovative. Send your questions to danielsrichman@gmail.com.