There’s an old saying in business: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” In the world of digital marketing, we might tweak that a bit: “It’s who you connect with and how you engage them.” If you’re running a business, sending out newsletters, and posting on social media, you probably want to reach more people—and not just any people, but the right ones. That’s where a networking-style approach comes in handy.
Instead of just blasting content into the void, what if you treated your email marketing and social media interactions like an in-person networking event? The goal isn’t just to speak—it’s to build relationships that create opportunities for you and your audience.
The Power of Social Media Network Marketing
Social media network marketing isn’t just about throwing ads into the mix or hoping a viral post will do the trick. It’s about engaging people in a way that makes them feel connected to you, your brand, and the broader industry.
One way to do this? Feature your competitors—or as we like to call them, your potential collaborators. Most business owners see similar companies as threats, but if you shift your perspective, you’ll find that there’s plenty of room for partnerships. Mentioning other businesses in your newsletter or tagging them on social media isn’t just a goodwill gesture; it’s a strategy to get their audience to notice you. People appreciate authenticity, and if you’re open to collaboration, you’ll gain more credibility than if you just keep shouting about how great you are.
Networking also plays a measurable role in business success. A study of 298 firms in the West Midlands region of England found that, on average, businesses attributed 24% of their annual sales turnover to networking activities. (Contactzilla) This statistic underscores how valuable relationship-building can be for growth.
Using Newsletters to Grow Your Social Media Network Marketing Strategy
Your newsletter is more than just a way to push out company updates. If you think of it as a networking tool, it becomes a way to start conversations and build relationships.
A great tactic is to feature industry leaders, partners, and even competitors in your newsletter. Drop in a quote from a colleague in the industry. Give a shoutout to another business owner who does something well. Not only does this make your content more valuable to readers, but it also opens the door for those featured to return the favor. Before you know it, your brand is circulating in circles you didn’t even realize were open to you.
Also, let your audience know you’re open to connections. Instead of just providing a one-way flow of information, encourage readers to reply to your emails, suggest topics, or even introduce themselves. It’s amazing how many good opportunities come from simply telling people you’re interested in hearing from them.
Social Media Network Marketing is About Conversations, Not Just Posts
A lot of businesses treat social media like a billboard, but the truth is, it’s a cocktail party. If you just stand in the corner yelling about your latest sale, no one will want to talk to you. But if you jump into conversations, respond to people, and share other businesses’ content, you start to build an actual network.
Tagging others in your posts, commenting on their content, and highlighting their wins aren’t just generous acts—they’re smart marketing moves. People remember who engages with them, and when the time comes for them to share or recommend something, guess whose name is at the top of their minds? Yours.
The Unexpected Perks of Open Networking
Some business owners fear that if they acknowledge competitors, they’ll lose business. But in reality, the opposite often happens. Being open to networking makes you look more confident, more trustworthy, and more worth engaging with. Customers appreciate businesses that don’t operate from a scarcity mindset. They like seeing brands that genuinely want to help people, even if that means recommending a competitor who might be a better fit for a specific need.
So, don’t just think about social media and newsletters as broadcasting tools. Think of them as tools for connection. When you take a networking-style approach, you open doors you didn’t even know existed.
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