Several times a day I run into writings and tweets about how marketers can get a message out without being “salesy.” We know this is a delicate situation. How do you have a call to action without turning off your social media audience?

The answer: Timing.

Few times in our history have consumers been so accessible at times of purchasing decisions. I completely understand some of the detractors of social media marketing and their “spam” conversation strategy, but as long as you are being helpful it is not spam.

Social media allows marketers to reach users at appropriate times because the critical mass is now passively connected through Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and many others. Timing will force marketers to start thinking as a consumer and not as a marketer. It will make companies and advertisers more sensitive to relevant messages.

If you are a marketer and are hesitant to get involved with social media because you don’t understand it or don’t have the time to maintain it, it’s time to make a move. Hire someone to maintain it, learn methods that will be effective. Just don’t do nothing as other businesses adapt and excel. The segment is ripe for involvement and only early adopters are utilizing the power of online communication. The inexpensive nature of social media makes involvement low risk.

So get to work! Motion creates emotion and people won’t buy a dull product. Have fun and be helpful.

Photo credit: Signonsandiego.com