I’m perpetually baffled by Facebook.
I use it and I like it, but I don’t see how they’re ever going to make enough money from their advertising to break-even, let alone make a profit.
To me it’s simple. I go to Google because I want to find something. The search results and ads that I see in Google are (mostly) relevant to what I’m looking for.
When I go to Facebook, however, it’s because I want to see what my friends are up to and engage with them. I’m not looking for a solution and I’m not looking to buy anything.
In the world of online marketing, there’s an unhealthy obsession with social media.
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the next ‘new big thing in social media’ may potentially be marginally useful to your business. The important words have been highlighted for your convenience.
Take a look around. Everyone’s talking about how important Social Media is for online businesses, but show me an actual example of this in practice.
I’m not talking about the big brands. I’m not interested in how Dell, Coca Cola or McDonalds use it. I’m talking about small to medium sized businesses. People like you.
In April 2009 I offered a $100 Amazon voucher to anyone who could tell me how to use Twitter for my business.
By August 2009 I’d raised the offer to a $250 Amazon voucher.
The prize still remains unclaimed.
I hope that you’re intending to make 2011 a great year for your business. I hope you’re starting work on new ideas, new goals and new projects, instead of merely picking up where you left off.
Make 2011 a great year for your business. But don’t waste time trying to milk a dead horse.
