Here are 10 easy rules to follow when you’re using social media to build business. And even though they’re easy, don’t think they’re not important. Breaking these rules can make your social networking efforts count for nothing. So here we go…

1. Social networking requires “active engagement.” You can’t just drop in every few months and expect people to line up to use your services. You can’t log on to Facebook only to ask people to buy your stuff, as great as it is. You have to actively work on building relationships, offering help and information, and connecting with people.

2. Be a community builder. Give back to your audience or your network, and always be relationship-oriented.

3. Don’t spread yourself thin. Experiment with which social networks work for you and for your goals, but then only focus on 3 or 4 sites at a time. It’s not going to work for you if you’re trying to be on too many sites at once. You can’t be everywhere, nor do you want to.

4. Consistently add value to your networks, your connections, your groups. Share your expertise, add great content, write recommendations. Always be thinking about how you can help others.

5. Be selective and strategic about inviting or accepting friends, followers, connections. Think of quality as opposed to quantity.

6. Avoid any aggressive marketing tactics. You can’t be a pushy salesman and expect to see any results with social networking.

7. Build memorable profiles. Let people know about you, see what your passions are,  what special skills you have, what you do well. Let your personality show.

8. Establish a routine/regular schedule. Set aside 30 mins/1 hour/15 mins (whatever time works for you), and then stick to your schedule. Identify your priority tasks and make sure those get done first in the time you have. And don’t let yourself get distracted.

9. Be professional and personable. One place to be sure to do this is with your photos. I recently turned down a friend request because the photo was a bit too “revealing.” Sure, maybe the person was all business and had the best intentions, but I definitely didn’t want that picture showing up on my wall. So think about how you want to portray yourself and make sure everything backs that up.

10. Don’t forget why you’re in Social Networking in the first place. Remember your goals and follow your action plan. Like I said before, don’t get distracted. Keep focused.

And don’t forget, if you need help figuring out what your online marketing action plan should be – contact me and I can point you in the right direction.

Have a great day!

Tagged as: online marketing, Social media