Social Networking and Marketing Your Small Business

These days it seems like half of all small business owners have fully embraced social networking, and the other half are still trying to figure out if it’s even worth it. Okay, so that’s probably a gross generalization. And I’m sure there are some folks who are just dabbling. But you get my point.

I say this because until a little over a year ago I looked at social networking as just another time suck I didn’t really need. Now I’m a huge fan. And it’s not because I’m making millions converting my Facebook or Twitter friends into customers (though some of that is happening slowly).

Here’s what I like about social networking, and why I think it’s a worthwhile to grow your business:

1) Getting back links. Part of what increases your status in search engine results are back links from other sites. Your social networking profile and other activities on social networking sites create valuable links back to your own Website.

2) Meeting new people. I’ve made valuable connections with other folks all over the country that I never would’ve met any other way. This has resulted in me interviewing other folks on my teleseminar series, and vice-versa. I’ve also hired an AdWords manager I met on Biznik. Too cool!

3) Showing off your expertise. Most social networking have either (or both) Q & A forums where anyone can post a question or respond, or places to post your own articles. I do both and have found these to be terrific ways to get new people on to my email list and into my community.

4) Connecting with people you already know. Okay, so this one is as much a personal benefit as a professional one. But it sure is nice to have a place to keep up with the lives of folks you know. And Facebook in particular is an amazing place to reconnect with old friends and classmates.

So, to my mind the question of whether or not social networking is a worthwhile to market your small business really boils down to your expectations. If you expect to hop on Twitter or Facebook and double your business in a month, you’re probably not going to be happy.

However, if you look at it as a way to increase your online visibility and show off your expertise while building a community of like-minded folks, you’re in luck. The best way to get started is to find 2-3 networks that interest you and set up your profiles (you can just copy and paste the same info into each).

Then plan to hop on each one a couple times a week and join in the fun. The more you participate the more rewarding it will be.

What are your thoughts on social networking as a tool for marketing your small business? Are you pro or con?

Do you have any tips for getting the most out of your social networks?

If so, please do share by leaving a comment below!

[tags] Social Networking, Marketing, Small Business, Facebook, Twitter, Biznik [/tags]