Are we headed toward the social media tipping point?

Many of my clients think twitter is what birds do, links are in fences and friending is reserved for backyard barbecues. But I predict things are going to change. As marketing budgets contract, businesses will be on the hunt for cost-efficient ways to get the word out. Enter social media marketing.

Business Blogs Go Bigger

Despite all the hype, blogging is not dead or dying. In fact, we’ll see a surge in small business blogs as the economy sinks and the word gets out that blogging is very effective SEO. And better yet, it’s SEO everyone can understand. Even the least technical and new-to-new-media among us can understand “write good stuff for the people you want to reach.” And the best part is you don’t have to be a brilliant writer. A small business person who is a passionate expert has all the credentials to write a decent blog. Tight budgets will prod them to do what all the preaching and prodding won’t.

Necessity is the Mother of Bravery

Let’s face it, anyone can learn to use twitter, ping a blog in Technorati, create a Facebook page or find her way around a Ning social network. When people mention trying social media and I detect trepidation, I assure them they’ll navigate entry unscathed if they stay away from the bleeding edge. Then I recommend that they push their fear aside and just do it. I learn best by doing, don’t you?

Early Adopters Become Industry Experts

As business owners discover that maintaining their online reputation is only slightly less challenging than raising a child, they will look to others for support. All those early adopters who have been mastering every new platform as it comes out of the gate will find ways to monetize their hard-earned knowledge.

Photo credit: Kris Kros via Flickr