When a start-up hits the market, there is a reason to celebrate. However, this is only the beginning. The next step in the business cycle is growth. This should happen indirectly through either user acquirement or producing additional customers.
The obstacles for a start-up are unique. Many start-ups are too small to hire an entire PR staff. In addition, most founders are not always educated in the best strategies when reaching out to the media. Therefore, social media can allow the company to reach potential customers without solely relying on other outlets.
Helping Hand
Twitter is an excellent way to develop a massive audience. There are many ways to manage Twitter and other social media accounts. Programs such as TweetDeck and HootSuite are popular for social media management.
Identify common questions, and use TweetDeck to search for saved keywords. Take the time to answer questions and generate conversations. This will not only allow connecting with users, but it increases engagement levels, which can be seen worldwide.
Guest Blog
Providing content to blogs can save money on press releases, but also help with getting the name out there. Offering a quality content article on a website linking back to the website is a win-win situation. The blog owner receives content and the company blogging gets information about the company or related topic with an anchor text back to the website.
Traditional PR
Grabbing the attention of media coverage on one article via a major high-ranked website can provide more traffic than all other efforts in marketing combined. It certainly helps to have well known website back a brand up. It is key to keep conversations with reporters going, so they learn the background of the company and will keep the start-up in the loop of major news.
Customer Service
This is one of the most important factors when running business. Treat customers well and they will tell their friends and family how they were treated. Social media allows instant gratification in this aspect. One person may be upset how they were treated and write an update on Twitter, Facebook, Yelp and other online outlets. It is key to respond immediately and offer a solution politely to the customer.
