Blue Helm

The exact definition of social media is endlessly debated among media analysts and Internet junkies. The general consensus, however, is that social media is an online conversation or exchange of ideas that can involve any person with an Internet connection. There are many ways to utilize social media, the most popular being personal and business blogs, social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter and media-sharing sites such as YouTube. Most of these online tools are free of charge.
Remember, social media is an alternative to mainstream media. Anyone using social media, be it a corporate executive or your fourteen-year-old niece, can use the Internet as a personal forum to propel his or her ideas into the world. Social media is also a way to easily connect and communicate with friends, colleagues, family members and customers.

Why is social media such a big deal?

Much like personal computers or cell phones, social media is a unique megatrend that is not only hugely influential in the business world, but a permanent feature in our society. Consumers are looking less at television commercials and more at their Facebook profiles, which changes the dynamics of traditional marketing. Businesses that refuse to evolve with social media will eventually fail, and that’s the gospel truth.

Here’s a great video by Socialnomics that helps to explain:

What are the benefits of using social media for my business?

Social media increases brand awareness (and SEO).
The most obvious benefit of using social media is the consumer awareness it brings to your company. Greater awareness leads to more sales, which is the primary goal of any sound business. Social media tools, like blogging, make it easier to reach new customers and target more specific markets. A company with a blog, a Facebook page, YouTube videos and a podcast, is far more noticeable than a company that ignores social media or only uses it sparingly. Also, using these tools naturally increase a company’s SEO (Search Engine Optimization), thus dramatically enhancing its online presence.  And although social media may not necessarily replace traditional marketing and public relations tools, it does enhance them significantly.
Social media is cost effective.
It’s no secret that implementing traditional advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns is dreadfully expensive. Hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on billboards, television commercials, newspaper ads, PR firms and marketing experts is expensive overhead for large corporations, let alone small businesses. Social media, however, is much less expensive.
Social media is relevant.
Social media is an innovative and creative outlet for your business. It allows you to explore new marketing and advertising strategies that provide your company with more relevance and flavor. Businesses that participate in social media forums, like blogs and Facebook, are better suited to become opinion leaders and contribute more effectively to their respective industries.
Social media gives your business a new voice.
In our opinion, the most valuable and significant benefit of utilizing social media is the additional voice it gives your business. Every person that uses social media is united in a colossal conversation that shifts and breathes and restores itself every hour of every day. It’s arguably the most important conversation out there, and it’s exciting and gratifying to know your business plays a role in the discussion.

Your business is important to you, so let your voice be heard. Join the conversation!

How do I determine my ROI with social media?

Remember, social media is a tool to develop real relationships with real people. So the tools you use to measure your return of investment may vary depending on your goals. Every company will use social media in different ways, and will expect different results.

Social media ROI can be measured in qualitative and quantitative terms, just like any other public relations or marketing strategy. We can help you decide how you want to measure your success before you begin using social media.

What makes Blue Helm so special anyway?

Blue Helm is like spandex—we fit everybody. Maybe you need to restructure your PR objectives and would like advice about including social media. Perhaps you want to create a long-term marketing campaign that utilizes blogs and social networking. Or maybe you just need someone to get you on Facebook. Whether it’s teaching you about how to use social media to grow your business, training your management team about effective blog content or monitoring and updating your social networking sites, Blue Helm offers a wide variety of social media services that conform to almost any company’s needs.

In addition to building your social media presence, we focus on developing and enhancing valuable customer relationships. We don’t just say, “Build a blog.” We say, “Build a great blog, with sincere content that changes and engages the reader.” We don’t say, “Make a Facebook page.” We say, “Make an awesome Facebook page that entertains and inspires its visitors.” We’ll do it with you! So many corporate PR and advertising firms develop phony and spurious campaigns that the public (especially bloggers) see right through. Blue Helm is so much better than this. Not only do we offer businesses with a path to greater profits, but we make the process genuine, authentic and fun. Blue Helm is always looking up and out…

We’re also much less expensive than traditional advertising and PR firms.

We’re cooler too.

I’m overwhelmed by Facebook and Twitter! How do I use these sites?

Fear not! Social networking sites are not as overwhelming as they may seem. We recommend you first dip your toe in the social media pool, and then slowly wade into the warm waters. Don’t jump in head first. And if you need a life guard, give us a call.

Isn’t social media a waste of time?

That depends. If your employees are constantly updating their blogs and checking their MySpace profiles during work hours, and not using social media for business or marketing purposes, then yes, it’s probably a waste of their time (and your money). But social media tools, just like email and cell phones, can greatly enhance a company’s performance if they aren’t abused.

Instead of wholly prohibiting social media from the workplace, meet with your employees and discuss ways you can use social media with professional objectives in mind. Maybe you don’t want your staff corresponding with each other at work via Facebook, but why shouldn’t they correspond with clients using Facebook? Remember, that’s where your clients are gathering every day. There are countless, wonderful ways social media can enhance your business, and Blue Helm can definitely help.

I am completely annoyed with social media. You can’t make me like it.

Hogwash. Social media is exciting, pertinent, lucrative, entertaining and beneficial to billions. Businesses that ignore social media will quickly fall behind brighter, more progressive companies. But it’s never too late to have a change of heart. Just sit back and let us do all the work.