Social media networks have helped level the playing field between the stay at home mother vs. the monster corporation. Not only are the monster corporations forced to address important customer service issues, but Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. provide a platform for anyone with an account to instantly connect with millions (if not billions) of people worldwide! If used right, followings can be built, that can eventually turn into long term business success.
Just last week, Courtney Luper from Texas, made headlines as her Facebook following crossed over 1.5 million followers! Numerous of other aspiring Entrepreneurs have found success leveraging the power of social media.
But how strong is a platform if it’s built on a third party solution?
I’ll never forget a business development Facebook group I was part of several years ago. Million-dollar deals (seriously) were being conducted daily. For the most part, Facebook kept the troll accounts out, and everyone that connected to the group were serious about furthering their connections and making deals happen. This led to a very useful group for business owners and really helped me grow one of my companies. However, one day some drama went down (someone claimed the top banner was rented for paid advertising), and Facebook killed the group. There was no appeal. No undoing it.
What took a couple of years to build was torn down in five minutes, most-likely by an intern (ouch). The deletion of your group or profile isn’t going to be a priority to upper level executives. If you’re relying solely on a third party platform for your web presence, can you really build a long term business?
In the “offline world” if you’re serious about operating a retail business you may start leasing space. Eventually after you find success, you end up purchasing or constructing your own building to fit your exact needs. This becomes an asset that grows along with the business. Sam Walton didn’t create the largest retail chain by leasing property.
Doesn’t it make sense to build these same assets with online businesses? Can you really risk putting your entire business in the hands of a social media network?
We believe one’s online presence starts at a domain, is built with a website, and then expanded through the use of social networks. Rather than relying solely on a social network as a platform, we highly suggest building your assets from the beginning. [I can’t recall one company that has been acquired for millions by simply having a popular Facebook profile]
For under $100 (and less than 30 minutes) you can have your domain name secured, blog installed, and your own online platform ready to engage your audience. Immediately, you can begin populating your audience using the social networks where your visitors have a “headquarters” where they know they can always find you. Not only does that make more common sense it also makes a lot of sense in terms of creating a long term business that can be sustained for years to come.
Things change very quickly in the online world. Younger Internet users no longer know the name MySpace, which at one time was “the platform” to be on. Ensure your online presence is here to stay for the long haul by taking simple steps to solidify your online brand.
We strive to help Entrepreneurs around the globe a safe, secure, and reliable platform regardless of their experience working online. From local retail businesses to political candidates we’ve been helping clients secure their online future and would love to do the same for you. Feel free to reach out to our team if you have any questions. We’d love to help you!
Ryan Gray is the founder and CEO of NameHero, one of the fastest growing independent web hosts in the United States. Ryan has been working online since 1998 and has over two-decades experience in Internet Entrepreneurship.
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