Facebook Replaced the Phone Book.

Social media is often treated as a complex marketing tool and avoided by small businesses, they aren't sure how to use it, what to post, or what the purpose is.

Remember when you used to put an ad in the Phone Book, as a given to starting a business? These days are gone—sorry for those of you still using the dusty yellow books—the generation of today simply types the name of a company or uses key search terms into their smartphones or other internet capable device, to locate what they're looking for.

The once infamous Yellow Pages has been replaced by the Facebook page.

When looking to start a business, revamp your business, or even just bring it up to speed, it should be the first thing you do. It puts you on the map and enables you to immediately start leveraging your personal network.

It is a tool to connect with your current customers and reach potential customers. It doesn't require daily posts, a degree in business or even an interest in computers. It simply reqires a plan and a simple schedule you or your team can follow.

Be Human.

Start by outlining a Social Personna, which is influenced by your brand, think of it in human characteristics. this helps to create true relationships with your customers and avoid sounding salesy.

Measure, Measure, Measure.

Now set goals, how many followers would you like to have? What percentage of your posts would you like to see engaged with? These sorts of measurements will allow you to measure the success of your social efforts. The best part about social media is it's measurable, there are many tools that help track each and every one of your efforts.

Time is of the Essence.

Now ask yourself, how much time do I have to dedicate to social media? Be honest and not adventageous, you can always spend more and feel great, but if you find yourself not able to manage the plan you've built you'll quickly become discouraged.

Change is not so scary.

If it's not working change it. Simple. Since you're measuring the success of your social it makes it very easy to see what type of posts and conversations are working.

Photo Credit: Rafel Castillo