ICYMI: Tips on Social Media Marketing at Business Outreach Breakfast

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in the past week. We’re republishing it here in case you missed it:

By BETSY YAGLA (Star Patcher)

Dozens of representatives of local businesses attended the Woodbridge Economic Development Commission’s outreach breakfast on March 26.

The breakfast event focused on digital media. Local experts Talking Finger and Geomatrix demonstrated how businesses can reach current clients and potential clients online.

The EDC chair Jody Ellant and EDC member Jamison Scott used the opportunity to urge local businesses to use the town’s business website to list their business.

Talking Finger co-founder Bill DeRosa, who recently moved his business to Woodbridge from his home office in Oxford, spoke about using Facebook and other social media for businesses.

A few tips: Know your audience and what social media avenue they are most likely to use (i.e., young people are on Twitter and Instagram, women are on Pinterest); social media is best used to create relationships, not to sell; use the 6:1 rule – for every one sale pitch you should include six content posts.

Cathie Reese, president of Geomatrix, spoke about the importance of using videos on social media. Facebook algorithms treat videos better than photos, posts or links. Before creating a video she told attendees to think about the video’s intended audience, the goal and the message. Videos can be used to sell, to inform and to entertain.

Reese also suggested using a series of short (1 or 2 minutes) informational videos used to position your business as a “thought leader.” Her example: The Write Approach could create a video explaining the difference between a formal and informal wedding invitation.

Before and after the event business owners networked, shared business cards and learned about one another. Attendees were enthusiastic and had many questions about how to apply the shared tips to their specific situation.

Also at the event, First Selectman Ellen Scalettar announced an expanded business outreach campaign: The Town plans to organize several networking opportunities for local businesses, starting with a business-after-hours event at Wheelers Restaurant in June.

“I believe this expanded outreach program will be an important tool for strengthening our local businesses and attracting new businesses to Woodbridge,” she said.

Businesses interested in participating in upcoming networking opportunities should contact Betsy Yagla at byagla@woodbridgect.org or 203-389-3403.

See more photos on the Town’s Facebook page!