Did you miss our TweetChat about social media with Tamyka Washington? No worries! Below is the transcript of our convo. Enjoy!

Can you tell us more about what you do?
I teach women entrepreneurs how to make an impact online by blogging, branding and building an audience-driven business. I’m also the founder of TheCEOMamma, an online marketing consultant and passionate mentor.

Why is social media important for business?
Social media is important for business beause it provides a free platform to develop and nurture relationships with customers. It also allows you the ability to “show off” your expertise and attract the people you desire to serve.

{Attendee Question} Can you really grow your business with free social media only?
With the right strategy…ABSOLUTELY!

In my three years growing my business online, I’ve paid for Facebook advertising one time. I prefer organic marketing and using social media. You can start growing your business with just social media by creating awareness for yourself. Blogging, in my opinion, is a solid!

Can you tell us a little more about how social media has helped you build your business?
I’ve built my entire business branding myself via blogging, building relationships on Facebook and Twitter and growing an email list.

Having a GOAL and a plan MATCHED with social media can be highly effective with consistency. 

{Attendee Question} Isn’t there a blogging rule of only so many words per blog?
I don’t play by rules…you do what works for you, BUT be consistent with what you do.

You have to know WHY you are blogging or WHY you are on Facebook. Being purposeful and strategic avoids wasting time and gets results.

It can be hard for us to continue with social media and blogging when it feels like it’s taking too long to work. Any tips for that?
Break goals down into bite-sized chunks. At first, I set monthly goals, now I do quarterly. Take time each month to plan.

Again, consistency is what yields results. Too many people give up too quickly. Building relationships and trust take time.

{Attendee Question} Any tips on a good title/tag line for your newsletters to get more opens?
I always put myself in the shoes of my audience. What do they want to know? How can you communicate that to them. Use social media as a channel to LISTEN to your audience. They will tell you exactly what they need if you pay attention.

There are SO many social media sites out there. How do entrepreneurs decide what are the best ones for them to be on?
Based on your goals, you must determine where you should spend your time. If growing your list is priority, Pinterest isn’t your place.

Don’t feel compelled to be everywhere. Be where your audience is and where you can connect with them.

How did you personally determine what sites to be on?
My goal is to build my brand and list — Facebook and blogging help me connect with the largest amount of people. Twitter drives traffic to my site.

Social media is ineffective without a direct response strategy. Use it to inspire action — Call to Action.

What tips do you have for marketing yourself/your business online?
Tips for marketing yourself/business — be genuine, know what you want to achieve and focus on serving your audience. BE CONSISTENT.

Find the tools that will help you simplify and leverage your marketing efforts.

Connect with people who will support you and assist you on your journey.

I use automation tools, Hootsuite, schedule posts in WordPress, Click to Tweet [which] helps others spread your content and drive traffic. [I use] MailChimp for email marketing. There is a tool for just about anything to help you run your business efficiently.

{Attendee Question} About how many hours per day do you spend managing your social media?
I spend about 30 minutes per day, respond to messages, reply to comments, etc. I also use Buffer to push awesome content I find.

Most solopreneurs wear many hats, so how can we make the time for social media?
Social media is a part of business-building, schedule the time. Start with a goal and go from there.

{Attendee Question} What do you suggest for people not good with blogging?
I suggest you learn it…really! I can help you with that if you’d like. It is the easiest way to build your brand. It’s low-cost, effective, and you DON’T only have to write!

[And] with practice, a blah writer becomes a good writer, and then a great writer!

Learn more about Tamyka and her business on her website, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.