For those of you new to engaging your market online it can sometimes feel confusing where to start and how to join or even lead the discussion.
In my experience it’s best to start by finding where the discussion is happening now. For example, if you’re into wedding photography do a few Google searches for wedding photography forum, group, new, discussion board, blog, facebook page, etc. That will get you started. Join those websites, listen to the conversation and start joining the discussion when it feels right.
You can also do this on social media networks, such as Facebook and Twitter. Join Facebook and search Groups and Pages for wedding photography. Become a “Fan” of those sites and again jump in the conversation. On Twitter, you can search for keywords and find people that are talking about your industry, niche or topic. Become friends with those people and reply to comments or RT posts they leave on Twitter.
Meanwhile, start a blog so you can start creating your own content. It’s great to join the discussion on other people’s sites or social media networks, but leading the discussion on your own blog is essential. Two reasons: one, you own the content, manage how it behaves and control weather the content should ever come down. Two, by managing your own blog you can lead the discussion instead of reacting to others. All of your content also help drive search engine traffic to your site, not somewhere else.
Does this sound right. Will this approach help you engage your market online?