Online Conversation

Interaction and conversation is huge within Web 2.0 and it's a key tool to use within your marketing efforts because it builds a relationship with your audience and can soon turn conversation into currency! In this article I show you how.

1. Give and you shall receive!

This works on the idea of reciprocity and is one of the reasons why information marketing works so well. If you're giving out good quality information that benefits others, people naturally want to give back in return. Find ways to promote the people who visit your blog, praise your community and engage them on their own blogs and sites. These are all ways to build a relationship that gives back. Do be sure to share your insights though rather than just writing "great post!"

2. Join the conversation and build social proof

Having a conversation online brings about a sense of community. It's about everyone having a voice. Nothing pulls people in more. People WANT to be part of a conversation rather than a monologue. You'll also find that it's a great way to get feedback from your audience and will help you know what their wants and needs are so that you can then go about fulfilling them. A flowing conversation online soon generates social proof. Social proof works on the premise that if everyone else is doing something then you're going to want to do it too.

3. Build a sense of community... and yes, it CAN be done online!

This is done by posting comments at blogs, posting within online groups and forums such as those found on Facebook or by contributing to the conversation on Twitter.

An example of this happened for me in the past few days when I set up The Women Entrepreneurs Club on Facebook. Because the members left thoughtful comments and related information without spamming, the group has taken on a life of its own. Within less than 3 days the community has grown and generated a natural 'buzz' that has began to spread effortlessly without any prompting.

So, take a moment to pick a few key people that you'd like to connect with and begin commenting at their blog and in response to their Twitter and Facebook posts. Keep it focused and consistent and I guarantee that you'll become part of a community that recognises you! :)

Go on! Take the plunge now and tell me what you think. Ask me a question about this article or any other business building topic? You can do so here at my blog.