How to Use Social Media to Promote Your Business

Creating a business blog, tweeting, photo/video sharing, Stumbleupon, Digg, Reddit and Netscape remain the top social media options. E-preneuers need to explore options where their customers "hang out", join in, and offer expertise. Remember, the key to social media success is adding value to the online community. You will be recognized when you comment on blogs and social network conversations, offer interesting information.

Top Tips for Effective Use of Social Media for Your Business

* Interact or engage in two-way discussion. Starting a blog or getting a Facebook page does not help your business. You can try out options such as audio/video podcasts too. Stay tuned to the comments on your blog, respond to them and participate in growing discussions of your interest online too.

* Use your website content. Let people who visit your website, like the content on it to share it. You can use AddThis to automate linking to other websites.

* Offer exclusive information. A sneak preview of products can provide you valuable feedback even before you launch the product. It also builds customer loyalty.

* Voting mechanisms (as used in Digg and other websites) are a great way to promote interest. They give your customers a feeling that their opinion counts too.

The bottom line is that you need to build trust online, participate extensively and use social media to build credibility and loyalty online. If you use the social internet to its full potential, it will not take you too long to build a platform for awareness of your products, garner exposure and network online while boosting website traffic and leads.

Find out more about how internet marketing with social media can help your business make money online!