Thanks to the great staff and volunteers at the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development (DED) for highlighting this very important information, for startups and new businesses in Loudoun County VA, Northern Virginia, Washington DC or any other area of the country!
Here’s the original “Internet Checklist for DC, Northern Virginia and Loudoun or Fairfax startups” (originally posted in 2010; updated for 2013!) – read on for the DED’s summary blog…
Ten Tips for Start-Up Social Media Success
Entrepreneurs launching a new business today are wise to consider the options and opportunities provided by the world of social media. A 2012 Manta survey of 600 small business leaders showed 90 percent adopting an active role in social media, with 74 percent viewing it as important as in-person networking.
Among those leading the charge in Loudoun County is KME Internet Marketing co-founder Ted McLaughlan, who has 25 years’ experience in IT consulting. Here are just a few of Ted’s top suggestions for Internet marketing:
- Establish an interactive website, with a clear “About Us” page, which includes your local address, phone (seek a local number), directions, service hours and payment methods. Use new photos or even videos of your new business – preferably photos with great people in them! Be sure your website works well with mobile phones or tablets – it should be just as easy to conduct business with you on these devices, as with traditional computers and laptops.
- Note that designing your website and marketing or advertising your website are two related, but different activities. If you don’t have anyone on staff with these skills, get help!
- Establish an attractive, consistent business and personal profile in all major, relevant social communities, like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
- Spellcheck everything! For example, if you’re in Loudoun County, don’t spell it “Loudon”!
By: Ted McLaughlan (Intro By: Susan VanEpps)
Read more at the Loudoun County DED blog site, and via their “Loudounpreneur” email newsletter!