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AUGUST 2009

Welcome!

Welcome to the August issue of Biz Talk E-Newsletter. We offer this e-newsletter in two formats: 1) As article summaries and links to full articles (see below), and 2) as a complete online version here (there is also a permanent link to the online version in the top gray header bar).

We would love to hear your thoughts about the new look, the new features, and the new format on the Biz Talk User page!


Feature Article

How to Add Social Media to Your Press Release Strategy

With the explosive growth of social networking sites, small businesses have a great opportunity to gain extra publicity and online exposure by incorporating social media into their corporate press release strategy.

When thinking about a press release strategy for your small business, consider creating a comprehensive plan that includes your web site, online media outlets, and social media sites. For example:


Marketing Tips

How Can Twitter Help Your Business?

Although Twitter continues to gain acceptance in the business community as a business communication and marketing tool, I’m still amazed at the number of small businesses that don’t see the value of using this micro-blogging service as a marketing tool for business.

Social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube are typically most effective when they are appropriately integrated with each other and with a company’s existing marketing efforts. But Twitter – even when used as a stand-alone social networking strategy – can be a powerful tool in any small business marketing toolbox.

Some of the benefits of using Twitter in your marketing mix include:


Building Effective Web Sites

5 Things You Should Know About SEO

The topic of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can certainly be a complex one, and for many small businesses it seems like talking about SEO is like speaking a completely foreign language – possibly a language from outer space. But there are some key concepts that, while not entirely simple, are vital to understanding the importance of SEO and what it takes to see a web site listed in the top search results.

To help you get a handle on what it takes to improve your web site’s search engine rankings, here are five key concepts that you really should know:


August Promotion

Integrated Social Marketing (ISM)™

The reality is that today, people are using social networking more than ever, and the phenomenon continues to grow each week. According to a recent study by marketing agency Prodo, 86% of consumers believe companies should incorporate social networking into their marketing. That means that many of your customers – if not most of them – are ready and waiting to interact with your business by using social networking!

Don't Know Where to Start?

ConnectPLUS Integrated Social Marketing (ISM) provides your business with customized, integrated social marketing profiles that are easy to use and maintain. ConnectPLUS lets you "write once, publish to many", meaning you perform one marketing action (such as a blog post or Twitter tweet), that automatically shows up in your other social profiles and web site - with no added work for you!

ConnectPLUS includes:

Initial consulting and discovery to determine the RIGHT social media outlets for your business
Complete custom profile design and set up on sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.
Integration services to make your social profiles and web site work together seamlessly
Custom implementation plan with a "content pipeline" to feed updates and content into your profiles
Training to show you how to login, update, and easily maintain your social media profiles

Want to know more?

Find out how ConnectPLUS can help your business get up and running quickly with social networking!

PRODUCT DETAILS AVAILABLE HERE

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Because Five Sparrows specializes in working with small businesses, we understand their specific needs and challenges. We offer a full range of products and services at a fraction of the cost of what traditional marketing and web site firms charge, all designed to help small businesses get a big-company presence on a small company budget.


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In This Issue:

How to Add Social Media to Your Press Release Strategy

How Can Twitter Help Your Business?

5 Things You Should Know About SEO

August Promotion:

Wondering how your business can benefit from social networking? Don't know where to start?

Let us help!

What's New:

We now offer a DIY (do-it-yourself) E-mail marketing solution for small business clients that's easy and affordable!

Find Out More>>

Tip of the Month:

Build a Twitter following by first searching for interesting people in your industry on Twitter. Follow them and listen to what they have to say, then start responding and "conversing" with them using tweets. Joining the conversation is a great way to start attracting followers of your own!