08/ 29/ 2008
Flickr isn't just for sharing kitten photos with grandma. It isn't just a photo sharing site at all. It's also a way for you to draw more Web traffic to your business and reach out to customers you didn't even know you had. Does it sound too good to be true? Well, it's not--just follow these tips.
1. Determine how you'll use Flickr: First, think about the ways your business uses (or could use) images. Do you have a product line? Do you create custom products for each of your customers? Do you work out in the field? Are you in the service industry but have really cool things happening at your business on a day-to-day basis? Are you and your employees involved in the community? If so, it belongs on Flickr.
Next, determine what you want to get out of the site. Do you want new leads? How about a better relationship with existing customers? Or are you just looking to create a buzz? Flickr can mean different things to different people--even within the small business sector. For homebuilders, contractors or manufacturers, using Flickr is an easy and exciting way to keep customers updated on the day-to-day progress of the project you're doing for them. For restaurateurs, the site can help whet the appetites of hungry consumers. For retailers, Flickr can help showcase your latest products. And for those in the creative industry, posting examples of your work on Flickr is a great way to show off your portfolio. No matter what industry you're in, Flickr can help potential clients see what you're capable of before they consider doing business with you.
2. Organize your photos: Assign each photo you post to Flickr to a set ("New products for fall 2009," for example) or multiple sets ("New products for fall 2009" and "Our best sellers"). Also assign a tag and a relevant title (That's how the Flickr users all over the world search for images.) Flickr will automatically use the file name as the title, so unless "_TIG3297.jpg" conveys exactly what you do, you'll definitely want to invest the time to give your photos descriptive titles. There's also a spot for a caption, which can always be filled in later if you only have time for a quick post.
With the proper coding, you can also pull your photos (and text) from Flickr and use them on your company's Web site, allowing you to cut out the middleman (sorry, webmaster) every time you want to update your site.
3. Join the community: In addition to keeping your Flickr page fresh with new images (that means adding new images every week), to get the most bang for the site, interact with other users. Connect with current customers who have Flickr accounts (yes, they're on it, too), link your business Flickr account to your employees' accounts (oh yes, they definitely have Flickr accounts) and even network with others in your field. Just like a blog or a news site would, Flickr allows you to comment on images. Customers who are looking at a work in progress can let you know if they like where things are heading.
Or, homebuilders can critique each others' work and offer suggestions (or just kudos for a job well done). And do you know what could happen when the homeowner in location A has to recommend a homeowner in location B? That's right: A referral.
As for getting started on Flickr, you'll find all the help you need at Flickr.com. A final tip: Basic Flickr accounts are free, but only allow a certain number of uploads per month. Depending on your needs, you may just need the basic account, so if you're new to the site, there's no need to spring for a pro account just yet.
