So, your company is ready to “do” social media. Great!

But what does that mean, exactly?  Do you want to grow awareness for your business? Find and engage your customers and fans in conversation?  Or, maybe even generate some leads and sales?

Understanding what you want to accomplish with social media marketing is the first step in determining the best approach, and where you should invest your valuable time.

Our helpful guide will arm you with everything you need, including links to free and affordable social media tools, resources, and lots of best practices.  We’ve even included a list of some of the common pitfalls to avoid – so you can start marketing with social media with confidence!

Download a free copy of Leadtail’s Guide to Getting Started with Social Media.

Have other online marketing, advertising, and social media questions?  Check out the online marketing and advertising resources section of the Leadtail website.  We’ve compiled lots of other useful information to help you grow your business.

Or, you can always reach out to us directly by asking your question on Facebook or Twitter, dropping us a line, or giving us a call at 888.330.3236.

In case you’re wondering… you’re not alone. I know you’re trying to figure out how to use social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to grow your business. Or maybe you just want to understand what social media marketing is… and if it can help you generate leads and sales. Rest assured. Lots of other small business marketers are wondering too… just like you!

According to the “Third Annual FedEx Office Signs of the Times Small Business Survey” from FedEx Office and Ketchum, almost two in five small-business owners reported they would be growing their businesses with social media sites. That was up from less than one-quarter who planned to up their game with social in 2009 and made social media the only tactic to increase in importance since last year.

So where to start?

Here are a few blog posts on why marketers and business owners are buzzing about social media… and how to get started:

http://www.doshdosh.com/the-importance-of-social-media-marketing/

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/getting-started/

http://www.inc.com/ss/get-started-social-media#0

Oh, and I almost forgot. If Twitter is on your mind (it should be) then read our recent post: Time to Get Started On Twitter.

Remember, you’re not alone… since we’re here to help too!