Social media marketing can be a valuable asset to your ecommerce dropship business if it is used correctly.

Here are 5 proven, tried and true applications for social media marketing: 

1. Share your thoughts and ideas, even if you aren’t Number One in your niche. Remember, the internet is a great equalizer! If you have something of value to pass along and share with others, don’t be shy about it. Sharing valuable information is one of the things that will get you noticed and build a following in social media communities. Bear in mind that as a general rule, the higher your standing on social media websites, the higher your ranking in search will be. There is a direct correlation between the two! So, instead of trying to use social media to hawk your wares constantly, be sure to give back to the community by sharing information that will benefit others, too.

2. Integrate SEO and SMO: Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Optimization. The two go hand in hand. In fact, these two things are intrinsically linked, and search engines endorse such social media optimization as link baiting. Then, too, search engines thrive on fresh content and your social media contributions can be a great source of fresh content to make sure you are picked up by the search engine web crawlers. 

3. Dare to be honest! If your ecommerce business is new, small and struggling for a toehold on the e-ladder of success, don’t be afraid to admit it. People in social communities are often known to root for the underdog…the up-and-comer….the little guy that is perceives as sort of a David facing many Goliaths. Naturally, you don’t want to present yourself as not knowing what you’re doing. But it’s okay to let others know you’re new and would appreciate their patronage and support.

4. Work on building your tribe. Your tribe, according to best-selling author, entrepreneur and agent of change Seth Godin; is your followers and can be immensely influential in your rise to success. You should make a conscious and concerted effort to build your followers and fans! 

5. Manage your online reputation. Social media is the perfect application to help you be proactive about managing your reputation! It’s like a megaphone directed at the public, and if there is something damaging about you floating around on the Web, social media gives you the perfect opportunity to refute it before much damage is done to your rep.

There are a LOT more applications for social media marketing, but working on these few can help build your ecommerce business!