Brian Basilico

Brian Basilico is an award-winning, internationally recognized author and speaker (and a self-professed geek.)

Brian is also the founder and president of B2b Interactive Marketing Inc., an award winning marketing consulting and Production Company based out of Aurora, Illinois.

B2b helps companies and non-profits market their products and services through the effective use of online tools including: websites, blogs, email, social networking, Google, S.E.O., YouTube, and more.

BusinessInterviews.com:  Can you talk about the inspiration behind your new book and why you decided to use a “Why-to” instead of a “How-to” approach, when it comes to social networking?

Brian:  A How-To Book is obsolete the day you release it with social media. Things change way to fast. A Why-To book is much more relevant to a larger audience.  People know that social media is all the rage and get the buzz, but they don’t get why they need to be in the mix.

BusinessInterviews.com:  What are some of the essential components when it comes to running a successful online marketing campaign?

Brian: The essential components are multi.  What do you want people to do with your posts?   Do you want them to like, comment, share or react?   Likes are nice. Comments provide feedback.  Shares extend the reach. Ultimately, if you can drive them to your web property and do something (join an email list or purchase or contact you)… not that’s a reaction!

BusinessInterviews.com: How can a business determine if blogging is a good fit for their marketing strategy?

Brian: Blogging is a strategy only if you have the capacity to teach or share great information. If your only intention is to sell products or services then people won’t pay attention. If you have some interesting and unique information to share then people will continue to embrace your messages.

BusinessInterviews.com:  Who should be using Pinterest?  What are some tips for a business who is about to use the site for the first time?

Brian: Pinterest is for everybody. If you have the right tools and strategy, you can drive traffic back to any website. The most active people have interests in food, fashion, wedding, jewelry, and decorating.

BusinessInterviews.com:  What are some social media trends that you’re excited about or think that our readers should be paying attention to?

Brian: Advertising is all the rage because it extends reach, but it’s complex and confusing. The average business will try to boost a Facebook post or try Google ads on their own, but more often than not they are seeing limited results and wasting money. People either need to spend time learning form experts or pay them to see a return on investment. Smart people run social networks and they are interested in making money… not so much about making you money (unless you spend a lot with them.)

BusinessInterviews.com:  How can a startup start engaging their potential customers from day one?

Brian:  Be YOU! Don’t try to be anything else than Brian (insert your name here.)  It’s more about extending and building relationships than selling.  It takes time.  It takes effort.  It takes learning.  If there was a quick fix or silver bullet, people would be relaxing on their own personal desert island and probably not here trying to help!