The hit TV show The Walking Dead definitely knows a thing or two about why social media is an important aspect in your internet marketing strategy. They have created a revolution in television; engaging their viewers so that the show becomes more than a TV show – it’s a social activity. How have they done this, you ask?

Yes, social media has its place not only in your internet marketing, but in your big picture marketing strategy (brand messaging) as well!

If you are a small business or a local non-profit, promoting your brand, your small business services, or a local event is definitely where social media can help amplify your efforts and turn up the volume.

Here are 8 key elements that are important to include in your small business social media strategy:

Have you noticed something different while scrolling through your Pinterest lately? Like a pin from someone or a company who you don’t follow? Well, if you haven’t heard, that’s because Pinterest recently rolled out its first paid advertisements, “promoted pins.”

Interns are great! Who doesn’t love free labor and the ability to influence a young professional’s path in the working world? The problem with interns, however, is that they’re not traditional employees and only around for a short period of time. Some businesses get so caught up in having extra hands on deck that they give them the wrong kind of responsibilities.

Ever regretted a picture you uploaded to Facebook? Or a tweet you tweeted on Twitter?

Well, you’re not the only one and California legislators have taken note. Under Bill 568, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and similar social media platforms will soon be legally required to remove content or information posted by the user, if they request them to do so.

Before you get really excited, there’s a catch here. That magic digital “eraser button” is only available for minors. Dang it, right? I guess adults will have to remain responsible with their online posting.

Here’s the big question many small business owners are asking, why is social media important to their internet marketing strategy? Most people think that social media is a place where all the crazy teenagers post party pictures, tell people their problems or gossip about ex-boyfriends for attention. Yes, this is true, but have you thought about what social media could do for you as an adult businessman or woman? Have you thought about how many of your customers are on social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn? Have you decided that since you’re not techie enough that you’re going to stay out of the online social sphere?

Do hashtags drive you crazy? They drive my husband insane. I’ve tried explaining to him that hashtags have a purpose, especially when it comes to internet marketing, but he doesn’t believe me. That’s because of all the hashtag abusers out there on social media who are being rude by taking advantage of the little pound sign. People are becoming hashtag happy and using them too much, which makes me think that maybe they just need to be taught some hashtag etiquette and read today’s internet marketing tips.

As a small business owner, your marketing goals should be to inform people about your message, promote your product or service and engage your customers and audience. Why is social media important to your internet marketing strategy? It is a channel to successfully to just that: inform, promote and engage your business through platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Google+.

For some strange reason America has become desensitized to the death of large and small businesses. It’s almost like Darwinism, in the strong surival kind of sense. According to the SBA, over 50% of small businesses fail in the first five years. What goes wrong? The death of these businesses is often blamed on a number of reasons including: Lack of experience, insufficient capital, poor location, poor inventory management, and low sales. The scary thing is, a lot of business owners believe their doors will never close and that these outrageous numbers do not apply to them, after all…they are special. Right?

It’s Here!

The all new Social Inbox feature from HubSpot!

Wondering why social media is important? Well, we could go on for days and tell you why or we could just say you won’t survive without it and tell you why this tool will set your company light-years ahead of your competition in the social media realm.

6 Reasons Why Social Inbox is the Best!

Here are the top 6 reasons why you need to head over to HubSpot and start using this feature. It’s revolutionizing the internet marketing and social media world.