An open letter to all my customers…past and present
maria gudelis | April 28, 2010Shocking News: Facebook Sends Window Decals to Local Business Owners
"Thousands of Joe Plumbers, Dentists, Plastic Surgeons, Dry Cleaners, Painters, Restaurants, and More…Will Get The Facebook Decal…
If You Don't Think My Facebook & Social Media Certification Is Worth The Money, It's Free"
Here's How To Make Sure You Don't Miss Out…
From: Maria Gudelis
Date: April 22nd, 2010
Dear loyal customer,
Let's face it, Facebook just laid down the gauntlet with this April, 2010 massive local business launch.
If you don't know how to find the 'right' way to leverage Facebook and Social Media for your business…and your clients…
…and sort through all the 'FAKE' guru's out there…(I call them "social media sluts")…
Want to learn how to really (I'm not talking hype here, I mean really!) learn how to use Facebook and Social Media for Business? Then stay with me – this short story is important…""
True Story:
My consulting company recently received a phone call from a very prominent business owner at 12 midnight…Yes, that is right — at midnight!
So you can imagine this business owner was not able to sleep a wink because he was so worried…
You see, he had spent $50,000 on a 'so-called social media expert' and got NO RESULTS.
He desperately needed our help.
We naturally assisted him and have produced results for him and many business owners and entrepreneurs using our own unique Facebook and Social Media marketing methods.
In fact, we now charge $2,500 for just a 1.5 hour 'social media' consultation with us. And then the client ALWAYS hires us to IMPLEMENT for them.
Wouldn't you like to offer that too?
What is interesting, is that if you can ride on this HUGE WAVE coming your way…
The right way…you will set yourself up for ONE HUGE INCOME STREAM.
Get this: Facebook is sending letters out to local business owners as YOU READ THIS!
See the image below?
I got this from a recent Mashable blog post – a scanned copy of the actual letter Facebook is sending out:
Why not follow the HUGE INVESTMENT Facebook has just made?
Think about it…
As of now, Facebook has over 400 million active users…a HUGE market to play in.
Facebook now has launched the 'gauntlet' to go after local business owners…
And…you can be a part of that…
Surfing on their MILLIONS of marketing dollars…
By being an established, certified EXPERT in launching a local business social media campaign.
Know This: Facebook has already established the marketing message…
Facebook recently changed the way visitors can join your facebook page It used to be "Fan" this person or business…
Now it is "Like"…Why this change – because "Fan" is more for an individual whereas "Like" is more applicable to a business
Do you like a business or fan a business…of course it is more natural to say "I like this dry cleaner".
Now what –
How do you 'ride this wave' that will hit like a Tsunami…maybe even overtaking Google…
Maybe even being even MORE important than – being on page one of Google?
There – I said it…
A Bold Prediction I know…what do you think?
Either way – betting on both is a great way to go isn't it?
So, we have decided to teach others our "proprietary system" and…
Allow you to use our methodology and provide to you 'Certification' in our proven social media campaign system.
How much is worth to your business?
Could you imagine how would it be like if all your efforts really produced the results you've been struggling for?
Sounds too good to be true?
Well, it isn't if you know how – and I'll teach you exactly how in this certification program.
| And it's not like any other program you've ever seen … |
Why:
Simply, because everything in this certification program has been tried in real life and really works, period.
Nothing could be easier!
Here are just a few of the many things you'll discover with the information in this certification program:
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7 low cost/no cost ways to skyrocket your business. |
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A complete step-by-step road map for big profits. |
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3 critical questions you must have answered. |
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4 elements that must be included in every campaign for maximum response. |
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"Deadly mistakes even the "big businesses" make, and how to fix them and run circles round your competition." |
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Get the absolute most powerful form of social media marketing you've ever discovered. |
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Simple steps for recruiting others to promote your business for you – literally reach hundreds of thousands of potential customers in a matter of days! |
How to get in? Well – there is no buy button right now…
Because I want to "Pilot" this certification program to just a select ELITE few..
At a ridiculously low investment…
And get your testimonials and feedback before we take this to the 'corporate' marketplace for at least ten grand.
Psst…Ad agency's are charging fifty grand upwards for just a piece of what we are teaching.
That is how closely guarded we are being…and first only offering this to my loyal readers and valued customers – YOU!
Here's what you need to do right now to be considered for this program:
2. If you are accepted – You will receive on Sunday at 12 noon PST – A special invitation to join.
Cheers,
Maria Gudelis and the Wildhorse Team
P.S. Take action and apply now. If you just sit there and do nothing, that's all you'll get in return…nothing. Take charge and start building your business to levels you've never thought imaginable. You can start right away!"
P.P.S. You owe it to yourself so don't miss this opportunity! The price is going up soon and I want you to get the lowest price possible! Act now to guarantee you get this at the lowest possible price!
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It never ceases to surprise me that, with a bit of extra looking online, you can discover some of the most unique blogs. It’s frustrating that more blogs like this, aren’t listed at the top when I search with aol online, I have added you to my bookmarks, I also have a friend, that will really enjoy this site, so ill send him, a link to your website, as well. I am sure they will really like it.
I agree with your program. Facebook is the new giant in traffic. If you’re not giving Facebook the same kind of attention you give to Google, you’re leaving money on the table. I think I missed out on the certification program
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Hi Neil!
We just may re-launch SM Cert program in the future! It is so full of Up-To-Date Information, if you get the chance jump at it- you will LOVE it!
Looks like you're doing good in your business Maria. Trying to get on that social media wave too and I'm fumbling about. I'm slowly getting the hang of it. Sites like yours inspire me that I can do it too.
Twitter: kmkeith99mac.com
says:
I never got to finish my point or comment—-Change is afoot and it's always hard to adapt for some who either don't see it coming or want to stick their shoes in the mud as asphalt is being laid beside them. Taking James' analogy about the buggy manaufacturers –I don't want a warehouse full of buggy whips when my customers need tires and new ways to market their business, products and/or services. Maria, you always have your ears to the "rails" and you expertly guide us toward the knowledge, software, and strategies we need to implement in order to ride the new waves of change.
I say, "BRAVA!"
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Thank Kathleen – this post is bringing up excellent points and facts and shoot – I think a book can be published on it!!!
Cheers, M
Twitter: jimbo3891
says:
Do I see your next WSO forming? I want credit for my comments<GRIN>. Just Kidding.
I think it's fascinating that there are more people enrolled in playing FarmVille on FB than the entire UNIVERSE of people registered to use Twitter!
There's a group of folks on FB that seems to think "more is better" and pretty much all they do is add friends. Other than offering up quotes from others, I see very little original content from these folks. (Mostly IMers)
I think most "normal" people add a bunch of friends quickly, then level off to a fairly slow pace.
As far as "connecting" goes, unless it's a hot social topic, I don't see much activity among my "friends".
(Here's something EVERYBODY should be tweeting and posting about! http://su.pr/17iyW2)
-David
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Hey David- ughhh what a thing to wake up to on a Monday morning- more tax nightmares for businesses…
I agree with your link above that it should be tweeted and spread out to everyone to ‘wake up’..
Here is an excerpt from that link: Costly IRS Mandate Slipped into Health Bill
http://su.pr/17iyW2
Basically, businesses will have to issue 1099s whenever they do more than $600 of business with another entity in a year. For the $14 trillion U.S. economy, that’s a hell of a lot of 1099s. When a business buys a $1,000 used car, it will have to gather information on the seller and mail 1099s to the seller and the IRS. When a small shop owner pays her rent, she will have to send a 1099 to the landlord and IRS. Recipients of the vast flood of these forms will have to match them with existing accounting records. There will be huge numbers of errors and mismatches, which will probably generate many costly battles with the IRS.
Twitter: jimbo3891
says:
Thanks David.
I just posted this to my FB profile for my 660+ friends to see. Sure many of them are out of the US and many more are teens, but I have some other small business owners in the US that will be interested in this.
Thanks for sharing.
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
You Rock James!!!
Twitter: harbourmaster
says:
I can see Facebook possibly using this in the future to enable some form of local onsite/in-store rewards or coupon system with a user "checking in" via the sms code or a barcode on the sticker to get an instant reward, discount or coupon, much like businesses are doing now with Foursquare.
FB is certainly heading local. It is a matter of survival. With 400 million users, I bet FB bandwidth consumption must be astronomical – and there are very few ads on FB yet.
The great thing with working with brick and mortar small business is that you can see (literally) what situation they are in so you can formulate a plan to help them.
For example, I came in an Italian restaurant last Wednesday for lunch but they couldn't serve food because they had no electricity. It appears that the electric bill had not been paid as later in the afternoon when I came back the lights were on.
If I were doing business with this restaurant purely online, would I have noticed that and noticed this restaurant owner's plight by email or a tweet or an IM or a chat?
James, I followed your example of searching "dentist" on FB. And keyword spammers are at it already – there are 3 users with the name "dentist dentist dentist" already!
Twitter: jimbo3891
says:
Doesn't take long for the spammers to get there does it. Our text marketing system was overrun earlier this week with some spammers that decided to spam the entire network. What a mess they created!! Of course, they got shut down quick, but their damage is done and it happened even quicker.
Maria
Thank you for this great facebook training. I believe the facebook,twitter ,youtube loop is extremely powerful.
You have shown you have ten steps ahead of everyone else on facebook, and to follow your instructions will show we are facebook experts and take advantage of this great medium. The possibilities for facebook are huge. Kind of like the wild west, still in its infancy and jump on now to take advantage of whats coming
Thanks
Don
Maui , HI
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Hey Don! As always – I love your blog comments and insights from the Maui man!
Have a great weekend! Cheers, Maria
Awesome information! If the electricity here is any indication the training will be awesome!
Can't wait….
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Hey Steve, LOL – love the ‘electricity’ analogy and yes – it will be incredible training!
Wow what a great opportunity to help small business out . FB rocks Google maybe the 400 pound gorilla , but I think FB just became the T-Rex of the internet. Count me I Maria I'm looking forward to your coaching .
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Thanks Gerald – that is great!
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Hey Gerald – yes – the next T-Rex indeed! Thanks for your blog comment.
Wow talk about a fun topic. I'm so tickled when a simple statement creates so much controversy and interaction. Apparently to some people size matters, and to those people I think it's important to qualify the statement; I suppose what we mean by surpassing Google, but Facebook has already surpassed Google in many respects, I don't know that Facebook wants to become a search engine, and in that regard I don't know that searching terms will become synonymous with Facebook, as it has become with "Googling" — both brands stand tall in their respective space. The ability to attract commercial attention I think is certainly viable, after all how many business owners have a google account, versus how many owners have a google account that they personally manage?
I suppose the argument is similar to the old argument of whether TV was going to kill radio as an advertisement platform; in my own contracts I can attest to customers who, in certain markets, are more likely to advertise on the radio than on TV, both as a result of cost, and as a result of demographic affinity. In the end, whether facebook surpasses Google in advertising revenue or not is not really the issue is it? The real issue is that as a local business, I cannot afford to ignore the impact Facebook has on my customers and prospective customers; if I don't take advantage of it, my competition will. It's not an if, it's a when — when will i decide to spend marketing dollars, and the Facebook announcement indicates that the time is NOW.
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
I’m ROFL about ‘size matters’ Carlos! You are too funny!
And yes – thanks for ‘qualifying’ the statement. Cheers, Maria
I love your quote:
Twitter: jimbo3891
says:
Carlos, you are "Dead On" with this. It's about where the business owner will spend their marketing dollars, their marketing energy, and their marketing time. Definitely Social Media cannot be ignored. Those who ignore it will be like the buggy manufacturers of old that didn't adapt because the "horseless carriage" was just a fad. Where are they today? GONE!!
Once again Carlos – Dead On!!!
This is awesome!
Just recently I was running a search for a certification on Social Media Marketing for my wife. I especialize in SEO, and social media doesn't seem to be my forte. I'm sure we can combine forces to offer both services to our clients.
Thanks
Alberto
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Hey Alberto – combining forces with your wife makes perfect sense! It’s great to both work from home, anywhere in the world together isn’t it?!
Twitter: MatthewSLord
says:
Whether Facebook will ever be bigger than Google or not is hard to predict, and my opinion is it really even that important?
The fact of the matter is that Facebook gets tons of traffic, and if you position yourself in front of the right audience and marketing yourself accordingly to these people then you have a chance to really rock out with your Facebook fan page.
If I am going fishing, I want a pond with a lot of fish… AKA Facebook.
Shooting fish in a barrel=consulting success:).
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Hey Matt, thanks for your comment and yes – love your quote:
If I am going fishing, I want a pond with a lot of fish… AKA Facebook.
Shooting fish in a barrel=consulting success:).
Hi Maria
Australia needs this information sign me up for the pilot and we will get it to them.
Again Love your work. Keep it up so I can fly to Vages and play Golf when everyone else is working.
Cheers
John
ok, first of all, David, we can agree to disagree, but when you take it to the point of blatant slamming of someone's character, that is crossing a line that just isn't cool.
Second, Maria, cool post. I honestly don't yet see how fb sending deccals to local biz owners is a game changer, but I am sure that you will clue me in.
I do get however the changing of fan to like, and I think that it is a good move on their part.
Third, Suzette, in your point about face book taking over google, You used a phrase that has become second nature to us all, and that phrase is, Google it.
if your brand can be summed up in one phrase, I don't care who you are social media or not, you own the market share, and no one will be able to take that away.
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Thanks Teresa – I always love your comments – and excited to always hear when you land a client!!! congrats!
Twitter: jimbo3891
says:
Hey, if you're into statistics, I thought I'd share this link to one of Erik Qualman's videos on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypmfs3z8esI You just can't deny the numbers.
Twitter: tina_williams
says:
First–John Collins–you are awesome!
Maria-this couldn’t be more on target. People buy from people they know, like and trust. Facebook has developed into a community were we, as consumers, can give our opinions and others can see what we "like" and hear about what we don't like through our updates and feeds.
If you listened to Mark Zuckerberg at f8 you may have heard him discuss the community that Facebook is building and how they are striving to create the best experience possible for its users. The targeting is incredible on all levels
What does this mean for us as business owners and for those of us that help businesses develop social marketing campaigns?
We sure as heck better be top of our game in creating Social Media Campaigns for our clients and for ourselves! We better know all the strategies around contests, customizing, optimizing and making client campaigns go viral and how to build engaging, active communities. We will need to know how to wrap those campaigns around our other social marketing efforts both online and off too!
Maria, this will be an incredible program not only to enhance our own businesses but to ensure our success as Campaign Specialists for our clients and ourselves! So much to stay on top of in this ever changing game!
Looking forward to be in on just one more "over deliver" opportunity from you!
Thanks Maria!
BTW–Dave – you are quite entertaining! Google has got its place but Facebook clearly gives its users information that only a community, not just a keyword can provide.
Great post Maria!
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Tina I am ROFL!
yes – it was also on CNN about:
thanks for your comment!
And of course – have to quote you as I love what you have said here:
We sure as heck better be top of our game in creating Social Media Campaigns for our clients and for ourselves! We better know all the strategies around contests, customizing, optimizing and making client campaigns go viral and how to build engaging, active communities. We will need to know how to wrap those campaigns around our other social marketing efforts both online and off too!
Maria, this will be an incredible program not only to enhance our own businesses but to ensure our success as Campaign Specialists for our clients and ourselves! So much to stay on top of in this ever changing game!
Twitter: jimbo3891
says:
Doggone Tina. If I had read your post before writing my "encyclopedia" mine could have been shorter. Regardless, you are right on. So is John. This is about a community of people sharing thoughts – likes and dislikes – to create a network of information that we use to make decisions. BING claims to be a decision engine, but Social Media really drives decisions!!
You are correct, we've got to be on top of our game in the coming months and years. We – and our customers – must either adapt or get out of the way of those that do adapt.
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Thanks James and lol about you and Tina posting a comment at the same time!
Agree with your quote:
We – and our customers – must either adapt or get out of the way of those that do adapt.
Twitter: saundrajackson
says:
I want one Maria. Google sent me a decal now I need a matching Facebook decal. Can't wait until I get that email on Sunday. Going out of town but my blackberry still works.
Thanks Maria for being you.
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Alright Saundra – that is great!!!
Hi Maria
Love your stuff…keep up the great positivity and keep putting it out there. Imagine what David could accomplish if he took all that energy and focused it on something positive and productive…just a thought.. Looking forward to hearing more details on your class…
Maria
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Thanks Maria! The class will rock! Cheers, M
Twitter: affiliatetips
says:
Well Maria, you don't have to convince me. Especially with recent changes at Facebook. Lets face it (get face it / Facebook) the social component magnifies value and results exponentially beyond conventional search engine results. We all know, unless living under a rock, that people ask for solutions and recommendations from people they interact with on social sites. As Tina Williams would say, the "Know-Like-Trust" factor, thanks Tina. Now you can ask real people and interact with businesses. I think the Facebook decal rocks. You know when people see that they're going to check out that business on Facebook.
We're no longer at the mercy of search engines that control the results we see. Wading through endless pages and you still don't know if the information is credible or a trap. Being on page 1 does have value if your reaching the right target audience. Just being able to say your on page one for something doesn't mean diddly squat. Google has even tried to add some social aspects to take advantage of the social
phenomenon. Recently adding Buzz and Twitter streams. They even tried to weasel there way onto the Facebook gravy train without success. This wouldn't be happening unless Google recognized the power and threat of Facebook as a serious competitor.
Let's face it lol Google isn't going anywhere and it still and will have plenty of value. But come on, if you can't see the value of Facebook for a business don't pretend to know what you're doing. And I can kick ass on Google when I want. And I use my real full name even when I have an opposing viewpoint
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
You rock John! Thanks for adding some great content here!
Hey, I really like what you have said and I agree. Some people just have a hard time with change and like it or not, google dominance is giving way to relationship marketing especially in local markets. I have a question. What is the price range of the training. I am in the middle of a couple of huge project and want to know if I can afford to join now or wait for a later class.
Thanks Maria for this exciting news!
There was a time, not that long ago, when Yahoo was thought to be unbeatable. (until Google did search better)
There was a time when buying music online (ie: iTunes) was thought to be silly because you could just get it for free on Napster.
There was a time when no one believed that people would spend very much time on YouTube because of the small video size and the issues with buffering…
There was a time when tablet computing was thought to be a thing of the past – actually less than a year ago…
The biggest lesson is that change is constant and when it comes to the internet and technology, change can hit you FAST.
And you better keep an open mind and be on top of it or you will be far behind it.
Dave
Twitter: http://www.marketinghuddle.com
says:
I think that we also must keep in mind that we cannot put all our eggs in the FB basket…just in case they change their TOS etc. Connecting FB visitors to our email optin lists will prevent losing touch and give variety to communications
Twitter: phillipblackwel
says:
Maria is certainly on point with this post. Some of my clients get more traffic from FB than Google. Word on the street is that FB is coming out with a search engine and eventually an OS…
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
even an OS…wow – that will be interesting!
Thanks Phillip for the sneak peak at what’s to come!
Cheers, Maria
ps- glad to see you made it back safely from the workshop!
Hi, Maria!
I agree with you that Facebook is becoming more important than Google. FB has already outperformed Google in number of weekly hits, as of New Year's Day of this year. One need only 'google' it to see all the coverage of that seemingly unattainable accomplishment!
I have a question about your certification program… will it be teaching the same material as in the Offline Consulting Challenge? And, if so, does a person in the Challenge receive certification upon completion, too?
Thanks!
Suzette
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Hi Suzette – love your quote:
To answer your question-
will it be teaching the same material as in the Offline Consulting Challenge?
The social media certification is something DIFFERENT COMPLETELY – I consider it a ‘Add-on” to your services to local businesses because of the real facts of Facebook’s growth in the last 4 months alone …
and the Facebook launch of the store decals delivered to thousands of local business owners…
There will be a HUGE demand for consultants to help local businesses leverage facebook, integrate facebook into other social media strategies Holistically and for performance of community building and conversions to sales.
A few of my team have been doing great social media / facebook campaigns for businesses with incredible results (in fact, a recent client gave my marketing firm a testimonial that after she spent $20,000 approx. on other marketing methods in the last few months, she saw more results in 3 weeks from our campaign.
That is what we will teach you!
Make sense?
Cheers, Maria
Yes, it does make sense. Thank you.
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
You bet Suzette!
Twitter: brittaincephas
says:
Wow, all I can say is boy oh boy is David ever off base. I was on a webinar last night that lasted 2 hours, discussing how Facebook is so poised to take over areas Google hasn't addressed and the new applications that FB is making available to us and marketers to streamline building lists and targeting our markets that are unpresidented. So once again Maria, you are right on the money! You always, are one step ahead of the pack and you always over deliver. You are appreciated! People like David have no idea what you give to us so unselfishly. Have a prosperous day!
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Hey Brittain – you rock! thanks – interesting you were on a webinar for 2 hours last night about Facebook poised to take over Google!
Great post, Maria!
Fascinating about the FB decal. I didn't even know about the Google decal.
Shoot! And I am IN google local business.
Oh well, I live close enough to Google that I've gotten other Google swag, LOL.
Someone commented about Google not even trying in these areas.
Oh no, Google is DEFINITELY trying. I nearly went to a developer seminar they did on campus for "Open Social" a few years back. "Open what?" you say? EXACTLY. Google seems to have only been able to make it with the orkut platform, which is big in some parts of the world (Europe,, I think.) It's not that they aren't trying — it's more like their attempts seem to end up in some sort of blackhole. I mean — OpenSocial is supposed to be OPEN, for goodness' sakes.
The big issue for Facebook will be privacy issues. Some people trust Zuckerberg less than they trust Google on privacy issues. (And I've had a chilling conversation about privacy issues with a Google engineer.)
Say what you like about the "do no evil" Google slogan — when you make a statement like that, loud and public, people will call you on it if you appear to be doing evil. Does Facebook have anything like that?
Someone has pointed out that when your friends take quizzes, it can be hazardous to YOUR privacy. Apparently there's a quiz from ACLU that shows you just what a quiz maker knows about you, when you take a quiz.
Awesome material, Maria!
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Thanks Judy! Open Social – neat!
My gut feeling is that Social Media will eclipse Google.
I thought the "full of" remark was a bit unneccesary, but I guess that's the beauty of social engagement. …..The creative developments it engenders…..
…sometimes the unexpected
"Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment" Go-Giver
Maria, I stumbled upon your sites a few days ago. What I can say is that you are succeeding because you are true to yourself. It's not something you are trying to be, it's something you already are. You give a lot of valuable information because you truely want you readers to succeed in their endeavours.
The precedent comment from David leaves me the impression that he hasn't understood that it is NOT about you, but about US. You don't sell to us, you bring us value – true valuable information. You provide value to us regardless of "making a sale".
Maybe David senses that your information should have been kept secret? Maybe he has considered that only so-called experts should know this? Who knows!
Whatever the reason Maria, keep your authenticity. I've learned a lot from your sites. And don't be sidetrack by irreverent comments.
All the best,
Katia
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Thanks Katia…yes – that is why I left the comment ‘live’ on my blog…full transparentcy
Hi Maria,
Thank you for the new post.
Question; What EXACTLY will You be teaching the Local Businesses in regards to Your Consultation?
* Setting UP their Social Media Accounts?
* How to get "followers" and "fans" etc.?
* How to create / set UP custom backgrounds?
* What am I missing?
Thanks,
Christopher
Twitter: brianmaroevich
says:
It's a game changer for sure. Google will still be the major player in the game in my opinion so you need to do both. Right?
I just placed my application!!!!
Twitter: nicktako
says:
Maria,
You are right on with this one. Isn't it funny how there are constantly cycles between online and offline. If one is willing to think outside of the box, they will realize the huge opportunities that exist is this constant evolution.
I challenge others to see how this transformation will grow not only with Facebook but also the likes of Twitter, YouTube, and more. These are fun times if you are willing to be creative and to also lead from the front of the pack.
Thanks for sharing so much valuable information with us Maria!
Nick Tako
@nicktako
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
You bet Nick! Thanks!
Hi Maria,
I'm a bit confused here. Are you teaching
business owners on how to use facebook for
their business or internet marketer who wants
to offer facebook strategy to offline clients?
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
HI Khairi – it’ll be both – as you as an internet marketing can offer this as a ‘service’ to your business owner clients…and I’ve had some business owners on my reading list who want to learn how to do this on their own as well..
Hope that clears it up and thanks for commenting! Cheers, Maria
Maria,
I've just sent you an email
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Got it- I replied
Thanks Khairi
Your prediction on Facebook being more important than page 1 of Google is the biggest crock, Come on what a load of rubbish, you can't possibly believe that, I don't and I doubt anyone else who knows what they are doing online will believe it either. Theres a fine line between being controversial and being full of S*it and you just crossed it
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
The beauty of controversy
March 2010 – Facebook surpassed Google as the most trafficed place on the internet. And they are pushing for more. While this is not exactly the same as Google's front page, the swing is starting as FB wants to be the new Google. You can be ahead of the curve by watching the trend or fall behind.
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Thanks Adi – I agree – and why not bet on both!? Heck , it is easy to get a local business on google page one! The power of both is huge!
and seo optimizing the social media to kick it up even more!
Twitter: askkevinr
says:
Rubbish? I don't agree.
Facebook has names, demographics, and traffic. AND it is growing exponetially. To say this is noty going to be a pwoerful place to market is just head in the sand. A local business can leverage this asset to become a powerful play in their marketing strategy.
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Thanks Kevin! I agree this is a great thing for local business…
Opinions, opinions, opinions… everyone is entitled to their own. Just because someone's opinion doesn't match yours doesn't mean they are full of s**t. In MY OPINION you are a classless jerk, but hey, that's just my opinion!!!
**it… IT is all changing! Google pays 750 mill. for AdMob, but Apple owns the IPhone platform. Google is deferring to video, and "social" platforms, over plain ole' websites! If you are going to survive, you have to "Keep Up" and Facebook is just way too big and way too TARGETED with prime demographics to ignore. Looks like some folks here might benefit from an attitude adjustment! — DrScot
Twitter: jimbo3891
says:
David, I would suggest that you read Socialnomics, by Erik Qualman and see if your opinion changes. Erik notes numerous instances in his book and through independent studies that show quickly that Social search is far more impactful than standard search.
Why?
Simply put, if I'm looking to buy a car seat for my newborn, what is going to impact my decision more – a page 1 ranking in Google or the recommendation of a few of my connections in my Social Networking Site (i.e. Facebook). Naturally, the recommendation of people that I've connected with will have a greater bearing on my purchase. Plus, if I see their comments on a FB page, I can make comments, ask questions, etc. and the whole group that has "Liked" their page has the opportunity to answer my questions, throw in their experiences (good or bad), and have a tremendous impact on my thoughts of the business.
Page 1 Google can be manipulated – we all know that – and many of us know how to do it. Oh, and the consumer knows it too. If it couldn't be manipulated, then Google wouldn't have gone through approximately 13 algorithm changes in less than six months last year (and that's just the ones that we know about because they either told us or we recognized them). They do it in the name of "providing the user a better search experience", but what does that mean. Providing them a more believable search experience is part of the meaning.
We've all been doing the "social media" thing all our life – just now, we have an electronic platform that allows us to get in front of so many more people. Social Media is definitely the purest form of information about a company because for the most part, it's uncensored – as it should be. If a company is smart, they should leave all comments up – good or bad – and answer and try to handle them as best they can.
Dairy Queen is a very recent example of a company that is monitoring their Social Media experience and being proactive with their responses, although you can tell it's a team of lawyers answering the questions or either the respondent is answering from an attorney prepared set of answers. But, it is a start. Their 25th anniversary Blizzard fiasco was a disaster in terms of their marketing, but they tried to handle it and minimize the damage on their FB fan page.
Now, do we ignore Page 1 Google. Absolutely NOT. In fact, that's so easy for local businesses that we do it and then focus on Social Media – doing the SEO on the FB page to get it ranked as well. Social Media is just another "internet property" to use to occupy another one of those Page 1 Google positions. There are only so many of them and every single property that we can place in one of those spots is another place that the competition can't place in. We should leverage every single property to get our clients every one of those positions.
Standard Google search yields 10 positions on Page 1 (unless we change our preferences to show more). On most people's screens, only about six are "above the fold" (my screen shows all 10, but my resolution is set very high). Those six are the primo spots that we need to dominate. If we can get our clients' customers seeing only their positions, and one (or more of those positions) are Social Media sites that they are a part of, then credibility goes up if their friends are speaking highly of that company.
Oh, and how about FB as a "search engine"? Well, it is. Do a search for anything – say Dentist – in the search bar at the top of the FB screen. Click the "more" function at the bottom of the drop down window and what do you find. WOW!!! First, you see FB Fan pages, then you see "Posts by Friends" (that's posts that YOUR friends have made about Dentist. Then, finally, you see Web Results (those are actual pages like Google would return, but I'll bet they are somehow influenced by your Social network – don't know, but I can't see FB just randomly returning something.
We used to say that Google was the 800 pound Gorilla in the room – we'll that Gorilla now has company and it is Social Media. Facebook's 400 Million (or whatever the number is) users should not be ignored. That platform will be a driving force in the very near future – probably quicker than most are going to be ready for it. There is an absolute vacuum of information from local businesses on FB in our area, so there is an absolute need for Social Media management for our local businesses.
Maria is not full of it, but you have definitely created a storm of it here. I'll not stoop to the level of saying that you don't know what you're doing if you don't believe as I do, but I will say this, you may want to observe the direction of the flow more closely. WordPress is an excellent tool for local businesses to use to build their web sites, but "purist" don't want to hear that because it puts them out of the business. Likewise, those that focus just on getting someone on Page 1 Google don't want to hear that Social Media is valuable and powerful – because they fear that it will put them out of business. There's enough in all areas working with local businesses that we can all help local businesses and do very well for ourselves at the same time. Economic stimulus plan – heck, we're creating our own right here in Athens, GA.
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
James – it is always so great to see your input – wow –
And yes I’ve got my copy of Sociolnomics – great book!
I love your quote:
Twitter: mariagudelis
says:
Hope you enjoyed the blog post and isn't it a GAME CHANGER…
The facebook window decals to APPEAR in local business storefronts!
Tell me what you think!