For example, everyone Facebooks, or so it would seem if you look at the number of pages, profiles, users, etc. This means that a lot of socialization and communication is done through the site and its tools. This, however, is not a format that is ideally suited for a business promotion. While there are plenty of fantastic ways to generate “buzz” about a business and to even market it through a social network such as Facebook, you have to look at the entire array of options to find places with the strongest benefits.

The Other Social Sites

Consider that a professional may want to develop a very strong LinkedIn network of colleagues, peers, and friends in order to help move their business forward. On the other hand, it may behoove a business owner to look at an even more localized entity such as InsiderPages in order to get benefits from the social media efforts.

What are the sites mentioned, and why are they a preferred choice? Let’s start with a quick look at social media in general. It is “user generated” content that is channeled through the Internet and a variety of programs or devices. In many ways it is social interaction that is far beyond the normal boundaries of social communication.

For instance, in the “old days” you might ask everyone in your office or your circle of friends for a recommendation for a new dentist. Today, you may inquire of people about their opinions, but it is far more likely that you would turn to the Internet for advice. The first “level” of response would come from the search engine results, but then you would be able to explore the different local directories to get consumer opinions and details.

This is where we can turn to things like InsiderPages or LinkedIn to see the results.

Using the Details

These sites are full of user generated comments in the same ways that sites like Twitter and Facebook are, but the intent of the comments are unique. They are not purely social in the simple fact that they are comments specifically about a business or a professional. They might be in the form of actual reviews or they may be feedback left by a peer or customer.

The modern consumer can use the different sites to get information about nearly any sort of business or entity, and if they don’t automatically get all of the information available, there are “aggregators” that pull together details as well.

Often, these are websites that are based on a specific region and designed to provide those in that specific area with everything that they might need in a single place. These sites are increasing in popularity because they help people in one region to “meet” and to begin developing local networks that create opportunities for “real world” interactions. Though many of these sites begin as review sites or local information sites, they also retain their social interaction models that encourage people to speak with one another online. Because everyone is situated in the same geographical region, however, it will lead to more options for interaction or communication.

This is why local businesses are always encouraged to find ways to get listed in such directory and review sites. Many marketing firms are now actually offering consumers some incentives for posting opinions and feedback about services and businesses in their area, and this is yet another form of communication that is developing thanks to the Web!

An Activ Franchisee reaches the finals of Franchise of the Year Awards 2011 sponsored by Natwest

Lisa Smith joined Activ in 2008. Back then she was looking for a new focus and challenge. She was keen to find a business to operate around her family and one that gave her total flexibility.

3 years on, and due to her hard work and commitment she has been recognised for her achievements in this year’s Franchise of the Year Startups Awards sponsored by Natwest.

Speaking to Lisa, she commented, “I would like to thank everyone at Activ for their continued support and guidance. Starting a business is hard work and thanks to their expert assistance I have grown my Activ business and I’m honoured to reach the finals of this prestigious national award.”

Activ provide online marketing services to SME’s across the UK. Since their inception in 2007 they have grown at a phenomenal rate and are operational in a number of countries including Spain and Australia.

They support thousands of customers daily providing them a range of services including, web design, SEO, email marketing, mobile websites and social media training.

Earlier this month they launched a localised Social Media website for towns and cities, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK

Lisa Smith operates her Activ Franchise in Dunmow, Essex.

When asked why she felt her Activ business had been so successful she stated, “Over recent times money has been tight for small businesses. However as Activ focus on providing services at a price businesses can afford and above all delivers the results a small business needs, I believe this has been the key to my success as I have loads of happy customers.”

Startups Awards recognise the hard work of entrepreneurs across the UK. In recent times they have recognised the achievements of companies such as Wonga, Seatwave, Zoopla and Reggae Reggae Sauce.

The winner of the Franchise of the Year awards will be announced on 2nd December 2011 in Kensington Roof Gardens in London.

To view Activ on the Startups Award website visit – http://www.startups.co.uk/2011_3

“CAN I TALK TO YOUR FRANCHISEES TO FIND OUT THEY ARE DOING?

Well YES you can…Find out below how being made redundant could be the best thing for them

“After being made redundant I was looking for an opportunity with full support and training to ensure the transition from employment to being my own boss was a smooth one. I’ve definitely found it with Activ” Agatha Taravner – Swindon

“”After over 30 years in employed work I decided to research becoming my own boss and after seriously researching 10 franchises I decided to join Activ” Dave Jackman – Kirckaldy

“I generated £2000 last month working part time” Paul Sensky – Nottingham

“I looked at numerous franchises before joining Activ. What’s great is that it allows me the freedom and flexibility to work from home as I’m expecting my first child in 6 months” Kellymarie Smith – Maidstone

“After being made redundant Activ ticked every box for me, allowing me to start off part-time as my business grows and giving me the chance to get started at an affordable investment level” – Diane McBride – Liverpool

Whatever the reason you are looking for a change, Activ has an opportunity that will fit your needs

Find out more about Activ Web Design

Find out more about Activ Web Design outside the UK

Find out more about Activ SEO

Find out more about Activ Click and Earn

At least half of all businesses in the UK have a website – Potential SEO customers
Source – marketingpilgrim.com

Approximately 50% of small businesses do not have a website – Potential Web Design and SEO customers
source www.bytestart.co.uk

So what if you could offer businesses both an affordable website and SEO?

Fins out more about Activ Web Design and Activ SEO

Watch the video to find out how the franchise is developing for her.

To find out how other Activ franchisees are doing click here

The system is easy to use and the fact that I can do the SEO tasks anywhere is hugely appealing in terms of my future lifestyle plans

The offer to the end client is very attractive and I have found that once you engage in an initial conversation about how a business owner can grow their sales enquiries by effective, low cost online marketing, it is easy to get the business

I haven’t really started any major networking or marketing of my SEO business yet due to existing commitment’s, but I have found interest from existing contacts I already have and have utilised these contacts to make my first 3 sales. Which is basically networking on a small scale

Have confidence in the system and yourself , follow the advise Activ give you and you will succeed!”

Colin Reid, Activ SEO Franchisee, Colchester

Find out more about Activ SEO

All you need is a computer connected to the Internet and you are away.

How many businesses in your country do not have a website?

Find out more about Activ Global

My name is Peter Mann and I operate Activ Web Design in Ipswich, I joined Activ about 16 weeks ago in early December of 2010 and so far I have found the experience to be extremely positive and lots of fun..

From a standing start I have sold 16 websites, which works out to be almost exactly 1 every week. One of the really encouraging things about Activ is that there clearly is a huge demand for websites and the market is hungry to buy the product that Activ has to sell.

If I continue at the rate I am doing then I am going to sell 50 websites this year, which is fantastic. I expect the revenue from website sales this year will be approaching £40,000, who knows what it will be in the second year?

The great thing is I am working when I want and choosing the hours I work. Being your own boss gives you a fantastic level of satisfaction. Yes I’m working hard, but I’m no longer doing it for other people. I’m doing it for myself, because I want to reap the rewards, rather than working really hard so someone else can benefit.

As far as selling is concerned, I don’t believe that you need to have a strong sales experience to succeed with Activ, it’s not a hard sell by any means it’s more of a consultancy role. Most small to medium sized business already understand the need to be online they understand the benefits to the business, in terms of showcasing the business, helping them stand out from the competition, helping to increase sales, footfall, revenue, profits, all of those good things, and the fact they are not already online is because of the perception and in some cases the reality that for small to medium size businesses to get online can be quite time consuming, can be very expensive and can be quite difficult.

At Activ Web Design we get clients online, very quickly, very affordably and without any difficulty. The job involves helping small business think big, it involves helping the smaller business take on the bigger brands and winning. The internet truly is a level playing field where as long as you look the part and create a good visitor experience people will believe in you.

Activ model definitely works all you need to do is apply it in the market place and you should be successful. I’m a pretty average sort of guy that through hard work is achieving my goals. I don’t see why it couldn’t be your experience as well provided you work hard and that you have the commitment and dedication to succeed.”

Thanks for your time, Peter Mann.

Are you suited to work for yourself – Questionnaire

My name is Peter Mann and I operate Activ Web Design in Ipswich

I joined Activ about 16 weeks ago in early December of 2010 and so far I have found the experience to be extremely positive and lots of fun…

From a standing start I have sold 16 websites, which works out to be almost exactly 1 every week. One of the really encouraging things about Activ is that there clearly is a huge demand for websites and the market is hungry to buy the product that Activ has to sell.

If I continue at the rate I am doing then I am going to sell 50 websites this year, which is fantastic. I expect the revenue from website sales this year will be approaching £40,000, who knows what it will be in the second year?

The great thing is I am working when I want and choosing the hours I work. Being your own boss gives you a fantastic level of satisfaction. Yes I’m working hard, but I’m no longer doing it for other people. I’m doing it for myself, because I want to reap the rewards, rather than working really hard so someone else can benefit.

As far as selling is concerned, I don’t believe that you need to have a strong sales experience to succeed with Activ, it’s not a hard sell by any means it’s more of a consultancy role. Most small to medium sized business already understand the need to be online they understand the benefits to the business, in terms of showcasing the business, helping them stand out from the competition, helping to increase sales, footfall, revenue, profits, all of those good things, and the fact they are not already online is because of the perception and in some cases the reality that for small to medium size businesses to get online can be quite time consuming, can be very expensive and can be quite difficult.

At Activ Web Design we get clients online, very quickly, very affordably and without any difficulty.

The job involves helping small business think big, it involves helping the smaller business take on the bigger brands and winning .The internet truly is a level playing field where as long as you look the part and create a good visitor experience people will believe in you.

Activ model definitely works all you need to do is apply it in the market place and you should be successful.

I’m a pretty average sort of guy that through hard work is achieving my goals. I don’t see why it couldn’t be your experience as well provided you work hard and that you have the commitment and dedication to succeed.

Thanks for your time, Peter Mann.

What to expect 3 years down the line