subject: Online Social Networking - Using The Internet To Its Full Advantage For Your Business [print this page] Online social networking has generated a tremendous following over the past few years. Originally only used for recreational purposes, it is now being used in innovative ways to boost web traffic and market businesses. It provides a fun, low-pressure way to reach more people than could ever be done with traditional methods and without virtually any cost to you. These free networking sites provide a platform to showcase and demonstrate your products as well as communicate any updates or special offers in a timely manner.
The first step in using this tool is setting up an online presence. Starting with the most well-known sites, like Facebook Twitter, and MySpace, you need to create a profile for your business. As the purpose is ultimately to drive more traffic to your company's website, it is crucial to include your web address and any relevant contact information. The next step is to build your social network. This is easier to do than one might think. Start with your friends and family and, soon enough, people from their own social networks will be visiting your site. This automatic referral system is the basis of online social networking.
Another important part of increasing your presence for online social networking is posting photos and videos relating to your business. These can either be produced by you about your products or can be from an outside source. Third-party media is a great way to gather interest for your business. Although it might take a bit of effort, finding clips of news reports or shows talking about a similar topic lends a great deal of credibility and buzz to your company. Using media is a fun and interactive way to quickly deliver information without being forced to sell anything.
An often forgotten about and underutilized aspect of increasing online presence is getting more involved in the online community. People tend to take their efforts so seriously that they forget to have fun with it. By finding other companies, blogs, and websites that relate to yours, you can build an amazing cross-referral network. By posting on other sites, you not only increase your exposure, but you also open the door for them to put in a good word to their audience about you. Especially if you are just starting out, getting a mention on someone else's website will do you a priceless service by using their fan-base to benefit you. Online social networking provides a fun and inexpensive way to use the internet to and is a must for any business owner.
by: Troy Truman
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