Whoever said that social networking was no good for business, never tried it before. Giving your readers another arena in which to see you active is one way to build a relationship with them.
Before you begin using social networking, beware. It is highly addictive. There are many advantages for you and your readers.
Social Networks
Have you heard of Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter? So have your readers. They probably use them for social interaction with friends and family, but you can show them how to use it for business.
Begin by setting up a business and personal space on these sites. You probably already have a personal space on many, but business will be something new.
Facebook
Facebook is a versatile tool for keeping your readers informed about you and your activities. Use a business page to list new conferences you will be attending, podcasts you are hosting, and the names of blogs where you will be guest posting. Readers, that find you here, can sign up to listen to live podcasts, follow you to the guest blogs and also invite you to their events.
If there is a question they want to ask, let's say about how to start a business or how to troubleshoot a problem, they can talk with you wall-to-wall in private to get advice. Through Facebook, you can offer free classes, e-courses and other tools to those who opt-in for different services on your website. Also, let your readers be part of virtual focus groups to help you test new ideas.
YouTube
If you have a new product that needs feedback, post a video on YouTube. Readers and others can post their comments on your work. Use it as a forum to demonstrate products or services and also to tout the advantages of buying from you.
Twitter
Do you send tweets? If you do, use them to communicate with readers about new things you are doing. They can get up-to-date information about not only the business but also personal info you want to share.
Create a separate business and personal account so that you can manage both. If you find readers or customers who have potential as business associates and the like, you can choose to give them access to your personal space as well.
Social networking sites are just another way for readers to see you in action away from the office. You can build a rapport with readers too by unveiling new products and services to them there.
Before you begin using social networking, beware. It is highly addictive. There are many advantages for you and your readers.
Social Networks
Have you heard of Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter? So have your readers. They probably use them for social interaction with friends and family, but you can show them how to use it for business.
Begin by setting up a business and personal space on these sites. You probably already have a personal space on many, but business will be something new.
Facebook is a versatile tool for keeping your readers informed about you and your activities. Use a business page to list new conferences you will be attending, podcasts you are hosting, and the names of blogs where you will be guest posting. Readers, that find you here, can sign up to listen to live podcasts, follow you to the guest blogs and also invite you to their events.
If there is a question they want to ask, let's say about how to start a business or how to troubleshoot a problem, they can talk with you wall-to-wall in private to get advice. Through Facebook, you can offer free classes, e-courses and other tools to those who opt-in for different services on your website. Also, let your readers be part of virtual focus groups to help you test new ideas.
YouTube
If you have a new product that needs feedback, post a video on YouTube. Readers and others can post their comments on your work. Use it as a forum to demonstrate products or services and also to tout the advantages of buying from you.
Do you send tweets? If you do, use them to communicate with readers about new things you are doing. They can get up-to-date information about not only the business but also personal info you want to share.
Create a separate business and personal account so that you can manage both. If you find readers or customers who have potential as business associates and the like, you can choose to give them access to your personal space as well.
Social networking sites are just another way for readers to see you in action away from the office. You can build a rapport with readers too by unveiling new products and services to them there.
