Every Monday I post an interview with a social media marketing expert. My blog focuses on using social media to promote books (particularly self-published books), and I believe authors can really learn a lot about successful social networking by following the experts.
This week we meet Valerie Jennings, CEO and Founder of Jennings Social Media Marketing (JSMM).
KS: Tell me about your company – how it was created and what you do.
VJ: Jennings Social Media Marketing (JSMM) was founded by Valerie Jennings in June 2003 and is a full service company that utilizes the art of online storytelling with the science of measuring quantifiable results. JSMM creates comprehensive social media marketing and Web advertising strategies from website design and development to viral videos. The company represents publicly traded to medium-sized businesses across the U.S. and overseas including technology, sports, sustainability, entertainment, travel, financial, health care and real estate.
KS: Who do you feel can benefit from a social media marketing strategy?
VJ: Everyone – overall, entrepreneurs who own a business; anyone who wants more website traffic, results and SEO; CMOs who want integrated messaging with advertising, sales, social media, PR and digital marketing; and corporations that need to expand brand marketing online.
KS: How long have you been blogging and what is the primary focus of your blog?
VJ: I have been blogging for about three-and-a-half-years and utilizing social media for approximately five years since 2006 via a client. The focus of the Jennings Social Media Marketing blog is to educate visitors about the advantages of social media marketing.
KS: What is your favorite social networking site? Why?
VJ: Facebook: It is constantly evolving; there is solid evidence of immediate ROI; it’s creative; engagement is high; and it sends referring website traffic.
KS: What is your #1 piece of advice for social networking newbies?
VJ: Do not begin on Facebook. Start on something easier like Twitter and get accustomed to posting frequently before you expand your brand to Facebook. It is an easier way to get started. However, if you have been posting on Facebook via a personal profile, this is irrelevant. Add Twitter next and continue on those two social networking sites before you expand to Web videos, Flickr, LinkedIn and other websites.
Please feel free to connect with me on Twitter @valeriejennings or Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jenningssocialmedia
To find out more about Valerie Jennings and Jennings Social Media Marketing, visit:
Website: www.jenningssocialmedia.com
Blog: http://www.jenningssocialmedia.com/blogged/
Twitter: @valeriejennings