I don't think it would be to out of line if I said that the goal of any businesses is to make money.

The most common way of most businesses to make money is the result of selling of a particular product or service. However, to sell that product or service you need to let the general public know that you exist.

Social Media Tactics

Let's face it, a customer cannot buy your product or service if they do not know that your product or service exists. That is why, as a business owner, you have to advertise your business. One of the simplest, most affordable ways to market your product is through Social Media.

When most business owners think of advertising, many business owners will literally cringe. Is this you? There is a good chance that you are because many advertising methods cost money. As a business owner, it is hard to spend it that hard earned money, right?

Unfortunately, if you believe that all forms of advertising take money, you are sadly mistaken. Although you may have to spend money to make money, there are ways to promote your business and the products or services that you sell without having to spend any money at all.

Is your curiosity peaked yet?

There is a good chance that it is, rightfully so. One of the ways that you can promote your business is online, without having you having to spend a dime, with something that is readily available online. That thing is an online social networking website.

"A large number of internet users, in fact millions of them, belong to at least one social networking website."

When it comes to social networking, most will think of Social Media as online friendships or online relationships. While these types of relationships may very well be the most common, did you know that social networking is also used for businesses? In fact, that was originally how social networking got started. If you are a small business owner, especially one that operates an online business, there is a way that you can use social networking sites to your advantage.

Is Social Networking All Friends and Relationships?

Although social networking websites are traditionally focused on those that would like to make online friends or develop online relationships, there are networking sites that are designed for business owners. These websites will not only allow you to share your business information with other business owners, but it will also allow you to develop close relationships with those that share an interest that is similar to yours. Essentially, this means that you could not only learn valuable business information, but you could also walk away with a new business partner or a new friend.

As previously mentioned, social networking websites with a focus on businesses, are a great way to promote your business. However, this does not mean that you should completely forget about the other online social networking websites, the ones that are designed to make online friendships. Although you may not learn any valuable business tips by joining LinkedIn, Google+ or Facebook, you may be able to get new customers and new customers is exactly what your business should want and need, right?

If you are looking to join an online community, you will need to create your own profile or profile page. If you are planning on joining a traditional social networking website, to gain access to millions of potential new customers, you are urged to be careful when making your online webpage or profile. One thing that internet users hate is being solicited for business.

Using Social Media to Your Advantage

This does not mean that you cannot use social networking to your advantage; it just means that you need to be careful with how you do it. Instead of creating only a Facebook profile, create a Facebook business page as well . Instead of only a Google+ personal page, create one for your business. Of course, you are advised to make personal page and that is where you can also include information on your business.

By joining a social networking website, especially the ones that are popular and have a large number of members, you should be able to generate interest in your business, including the products or services that you sell.

Who knows, but that interest generated could turn into sales; thus making your social networking experience more than worth it.

SEO-Alien

About the Author:

The SEO-Alien is a project started in 2009 regarding all things online marketing. The site started out more of a diary of predictions, suggestions and references to things I frequently used for online marketing... before social media marketing was even an option.

I hope you find the information and tools presented here useful and something worth sharing with others.

If there is anything else about online marketing or any online advertising strategy you think would be helpful, please let me know.


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