The Truth About Facebook

There are tons of social networking sites that you can participate in today like Plaxo and Linked In, and they all have their pros and cons. The best way to choose a community to participate in is to have a look to see what kind of people who hang out there. To me, Facebook is quite possibly the best online destinations for networking - both personally and professionally. I also use Linked In and Myspace. Of all the social networks, Facebook is a gem when it comes to all around marketing and networking.

I have been using Facebook for the past two years, and it is a nearly flawless marketing tool to add to your marketing plan. Here are 10 tips to use on Facebook to introduce new people to your for FREE!

1. Create a Great Profile: This is absolutely the FIRST thing that you must do to get noticed on Facebook . Think of your Facebook profile as part of your branding strategy. A powerful profile will include a professional picture of you. Don't use the one of you at a halloween party, unless that's what your selling. Make sure your new Facebook profile is complete. Your profile should include your contact information, your website address (this is extremely important), education, work experience and your personal interests. A complete profile is the only way to go.

2. Add Friends: This is what makes Facebook a special platform - the ability meet new people, build relationships and sustain them. The more friends you have, the more dynamic your marketing efforts will be. You can use Facebook's own tools to search for friends that have already joined Facebook. Once you add your friends, you can search for kindred spirits. Make their acquaintance, become their friend, build a relationship. One unique thing on Facebook is that you can see your friends' friends. This will help you build a substantial network in no time.

3. Join Groups on Facebook: You can join online groups within Facebook that are related to what you do. There are groups for authors, schools, and speakers. Almost every plausible type of professional service provider has some type of an online group. I belong to many groups and have made tons of new contacts this way.

4. Create your Own Facebook Group: Can’t find a group that really fits? Create your own! You can add members, publish articles, trigger some great discussions, and surely find lots of new people. And even if you find good group to belong to, start your own. This gives you the platform to be the leader!

5. Syndicate your Blog Using RSS: You can syndicate your own blog on your Facebook profile page. This basically means that every time you make a post, it will automatically show up on your profile page. More Exposure leads to More Readers leads to More Leads creates More Business. And the bonus is the back links to your site. I syndicate headlines from my 3 blogs on Facebook.

6. Reach OUT and Touch Someone: Are you a fan or admirer of someone’s work? Reach out to them on Facebook! Many of my business acquaintances check their Facebook messages more repeatedly than their email. They are also more likely to respond to Facebook messages. Don’t feel comfortable messaging someone you don’t know? No worries! Leave them a “just saying hi!” or “You Rock!” message on their wall. All Facebook profiles come with “virtual walls” where business associates can leave a message. The more comments you leave on your friend's Facebook profile page the more exposure you get!

7. Add an Event: Hosting your Own Seminar? Make an events page and invite all your friends and acquaintances. You can even see how many people RSVPed and get feedback from your attendees. Marketing doesn’t get much easier (or more inexpensive!) than this.

8. Send Virtual Gifts: Want to show your appreciation for someone? Send them a virtual gift. You can choose from a Birthday cake to an egg that hatches a surprise gift over 4 days (plus tons of others). With all the third party applications for gift giving available, what are you waiting for. This is a proven way to build long lasting relationships!

9. Use Some Cool Apps: Facebook has literally a ton of applications that were built just for the site. Gaming, music, movie trivia and more. When you use an application, you get to invite your friends to use these interesting little applications (Apps). So just like number 8 above, this allows you another way to stay connected to your friends on Facebook. Again, this helps you maintain long lasting relationships.

10. Create a Community: Perhaps Facebook’s greatest benefit is that it allows you to create a community. It intoduces you to a group of people who are regularly connected to you, and they are open to hearing your message. Write on people’s walls, give them feedback, and introduce them to each other. Start building your brand and leveraging Facebook for permission marketing!

Facebook is a fantastic place to meet tons of new people who may also become customers and/or clients. Just remember one thing: don't get too carried away and spend all your time there. Facebook is a tool, part of your marketing strategy. Use the tips above, use them wisely and have a little fun at the same time.

Article Source: http://myarticlezine.com

Lennie Appelquist is the Owner of FreeMarket Media Group. FreeMarket Media Group is dedicated to helping individuals and small businesses generate leads, convert those leads in customers/clients and build a web presence that works for them. We can show you how to make your online business profitable - IMMEDIATELY.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated