By Stephanie Foster

One of they key things in social media marketing is having an audience follow what you’re saying as well as to interact with. If no one sees your tweet, it won’t make a difference that you tweeted. The same goes for on other sites.

Now where are those fans and followers?

How you find them will depend on the site you’re marketing on. Some people treat Facebook as a more personal site for example, and so they may be reluctant to add someone whose connection to them is more about business.

Start with People You Already Know Online

The easiest people to get to follow you may be those you already know online, especially if they are interested in your niche. Request to follow them and many will return the favor.

On some sites, going through the people they follow and seeing who you might like to follow as well can be a good choice. As I said above, Facebook isn’t always the right choice for that, but use your best judgment. The nice part about sites such as Facebook and Twitter is that if someone doesn’t want to read what you’re posting, they have only to not follow you in return.

That said, don’t go overboard in your early efforts. Add too many people too quickly and you’re likely to be labeled as a spammer and banned. There’s no point in wasting your efforts.

Find People Interested in Your Niche

There are a number of ways to find people interested in a particular niche. There are Twitter directories. Facebook groups. You can see who liked particular links on StumbleUpon.

Look around and figure out how to meet other users on the social sites you’re using. Find the people who might be interested in what you have to say.

Retweets on Twitter can also be useful. People retweet things they find interesting. If they like the kinds of things you’ll be posting, give following them a try.

What If They Don’t Follow Back?

Many people stress about who follows them back, especially on Twitter where there are rules about how many people you are following versus being followed by. They don’t want to use up all their following ability on people who aren’t interested in them.

You’ll have to give some thought to this one. Are you following to get followers or are you following people you think might be interesting? How much time and effort do you want to put into interacting with people and reading what they’ve posted?

The more people you follow on any given site, the harder it’s going to be to keep up. It’s not like you can interact online with people all day and get other things done too. You’re going to have to find the right balance for you.

I personally don’t worry about who follows me back. They do or do not. But then I also only follow back people who interest me when I check their link when they follow me.

Let’s face it. Not everyone is going to be saying interesting things to you.

Some people you’ll want to follow because they’re your target market and keeping in contact with that is always good. Others because they’re in your niche or something closely enough related to it that you want to keep up with them. Still others because, frankly, they post neat stuff.

What About Follower Adders?

Some people like to use software to automate the process of adding followers. This isn’t something I would consider a good idea.

Use it too fast and get banned. That’s the first problem.

But even if you use it slowly enough that you don’t get banned, is it getting you the kinds of followers you need or is it just adding clutter?

Numbers don’t do you any good in most ways. It’s the same as with page views on a website. Who cares about getting a million visitors if not one of them buys from you, signs up for your list or does whatever your goal for them was?

About the author: Stephanie Foster blogs at about earning money working from home. Get more tips on social media website marketing at her site.

Source: www.bluegrasssolutions.info

Photo: geekandpoke.typepad.com

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by Angira Pandit

Facebook Lite has been the newest Facebook makeover in which the social network has become a lot more simplified. How is this affecting social media optimization? Many believe Facebook Lite has been introduced as a direct competitor to Twitter’s minimalistic look. Before, it used to be that social networks with more applications, options, preferences was better. Facebook was winning that race by far, with hundreds of different applications you could choose from as compared to other social networks which had just a handful. Facebook also had more detailed privacy and profile settings and a variety of options on how you wanted to display your profile. Now marketing has seen the popularity switch from more to less with people enjoying Twitter’s simple look and the idea of a limited character micro blogging service.

There have been some significant changes in the new Facebook. Facebook Lite does not have any applications like the regular Facebook does. Facebook Lite allows you to tag the friends in your network if you mention them in a status update. When you mention a friend from your friend’s list while typing a status message, Facebook Lite provides you a drop down menu of friends with that name so you can tag the friend mentioned. The person who you tagged in your status update is then notified, just like if you tagged a friend in a photo on regular Facebook.

A lot of people take time to “get Facebook” when they first join. There’s so many applications, choices, options, features that it can leave someone new quite confused and frustrated. First time I dealt with Facebook I think I had to sit for a good couple hours clicking on random tabs to figure out what they all did and how I get back to where I began from. With experience of using this social network you get a hang of it. I think Facebook Lite is a way to end this problem and provide users with a faster simpler version of Facebook if they choose.

I think this is the first time Facebook has renovated in such a way so that they can offer two different versions to their users instead of one version that people may or may not like. I say this is smart marketing strategy. It’s like a beginner’s version (Facebook Lite) and an advanced version (regular Facebook) If you can handle and enjoy the complex nature of Facebook, you can go ahead and use the regular Facebook. If you like a simple Twitter like feel to it, then go in for Facebook Lite. I think from the Social Media Optimization point of view, businesses and corporations will prefer the regular Facebook as it gives them more leeway to provide information and entertainment to their followers.

Last year Facebook had unsuccessfully tried to buy out Twitter. Since then, Facebook has done the next best thing and copied Twitter’s minimalistic appeal. But even then Facebook’s networking is still quite different from Twitter. People connect with each other on Facebook generally if they are acquainted with each other or are friends. Connections on Facebook depend on one person connecting with another and if they accept, you are then connected to the same network. Then both parties get status information and updates about each other.

Twitter works differently in that you can choose to follow random people or people you know. Anyone you choose to follow is not obligated to follow you back. You don’t have to know them or be friends with them, you follow them if you’re curious enough to want to know about their activity. Twitter has received a lot of publicity for celebrities and businesses using this social network as a way to reach out to their fans while also maintaining their distance.

Twitter and Facebook are both popular social networks that have been utilized by companies for their Social Media Optimization campaigns. There’s not much we can predict about the impact of Facebook Lite at this point. It might be the newest rage or it might just not catch on. It will be interesting to watch and see how much people enjoy using Facebook Lite and what Twitter users have to say about the new Facebook. You can check out Facebook Lite on your own by going to www.lite.facebook.com

About the author:  Pragmites Consulting is a distinguished Internet consulting company providing website design, Social Media Optimization, Offshore SEO, and a host of other Internet advertising services. Please visit www.pragmites.com for more details.

Source: www.pragmites.com
Photo: factoryjoe

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by Jeff Schechter

Last year, Facebook became the Number 1 social networking site in the world, passing up MySpace. As such, it is used extensively for networking, especially amongst online marketers. I use Facebook, along with Twitter and YouTube, as an important piece of my social media strategy. I have made many great contacts on Facebook, and usually log in a couple of times a day.

Early one Sunday morning, I woke up and sleepily wandered into my home office. I had a few messages on Facebook, so I tried logging in, but was shocked to receive this message . . .

“Your Facebook account has been disabled for violation of our Terms of Service. If you feel that your account has been wrongly disabled, please click here.”

WHAT!?

My throat got dry. I started getting sweaty. I had made almost 3,000 friends already. Without an account, I would not be able to direct people to my videos, articles, and press releases. I would not be able to network with my contacts. I wouldn’t be able to joke around with my friends! This was NOT good.

I had to do something . . . QUICKLY. I started sending emails . . . .first to the dispute center, then to the help desk. Eventually, I received an automated email response:

“We have received your email. We will review your request and get back to you shortly.”

That’s it? Ouch. Well, at least a glimmer of hope. So, I waited a few days. Nothing. So, I waited another few days. Still nothing. This was really beginning to frustrate me.

After some research on Facebook’s site, doing some searches online, and through friends on Twitter, I learned that mine was not an isolated case. Many of the Social Media sites have been disabling accounts. I recently had some friends . . . fellow marketers, who had their YouTube accounts shut down. You can read about it on my main site. It’s called “Playing Nice With YouTube.”

It seems to be the norm that Social media sites simply disable your account without warning, leaving the user bewildered. They have no regard for the user, and their Terms of Service (TOS) leaves you with little to no recourse. In most cases, their reasons for disabling are legitimate . . . .users are posting copyrighted material, promoting illegal activities, or just not playing by the rules. But this was different. What had I DONE?

I finally sent a letter with an angry tone. I think I may have even mentioned something about contacting my attorney. Yuck. I hate doing that, but I was DESPERATE. Finally, after 3 WEEKS, I got an email stating the following:

“Hi Jeff, Thank you for providing this information. Facebook has limits in place to prevent users from running programs that automatically scan the site for certain content. Although this was not the case in your situation, viewing or refreshing pages at a rapid rate may cause your account to be disabled. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide more information about this system. However, after reviewing your situation, your account has been reactivated. Please significantly slow down the rate at which you browse Facebook and refrain from violating any of Facebook’s Terms of Use. You should also avoid using systems or products that automatically refresh Facebook pages. Further misuse of the site may result in your account being disabled again. We appreciate your cooperation going forward. Thanks for your understanding,User Operations Facebook.”

So apparently, my infraction was “using their site too heavily.” Yikes. Of course, I’ll never do THAT again.

From my research, here are the things that may keep you from getting banned on Facebook:

1. Don’t use a fake name.
2. Don’t join too many groups.
3. Don’t post too many messages on a wall or in a group.
4. Don’t friend too many people too fast.
5. Don’t lie about your education or employment.
6. Don’t poke too many people (seriously . . . get a life!)
7. Don’t advertise your app on wall posts.
8. Don’t use duplicate text in multiple messages (no cutting & pasting).
9. Don’t use the email client too heavily.
10. Don’t post offensive content.
11. Don’t use any scripts to scrape information from Facebook.

Of course, if you do get banned, your ONLY recourse is to email them. Here are three email addresses that I would recommend:

• disabled@facebook.com
• appeals@facebook.com
• info@facebook.com

The lesson here is BE CAREFUL. If sites like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube are an important part of your marketing strategy (and they should be), then take the time to actually READ the Terms of Service (TOS) for these sites. Make sure you are playing by the rules. Do not abuse your account.

So, if you don’t want your face slapped, PLAY NICE.

Still living in fear,

Shecky

P.S. Connect with me GENTLY on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ReallyShecky

About the author: Jeff Schechter is an Internet Marketing and MLM expert. www.JeffsBusiness.com

Courtesy: www.JeffsBusiness.com

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By Christine Gallagher

Recently I held a call about the biggest myths of marketing on Facebook. One myth I mentioned I see discouraging small business owners is that “Facebook alone will get you clients and customers.” This would be great if it was true of course.Do people get clients and customers as a result of being on Facebook? Absolutely. But slapping up a profile and expecting the money to roll in is not going to happen. You might be surprised how many people end up discouraged because they’ve been on Facebook for a while and aren’t getting results. This is usually because they don’t understand how Facebook fits into their overall marketing picture.

It’s about consumers consuming what it is you are putting out there-which essentially, is content. You are gradually and steadily building momentum through relationships, word of mouth and the “know, like and trust” factor-which leads to traffic, to subscribers and eventually to sales.

Facebook is excellent for establishing expertise and credibility, for exposing your brand, boosting your visibility in front of your target market and even for market research-finding out what people need and want so that you can then go create and package those solutions for them.

Honestly, there is no faster way to create brand recognition and credibility and quickly connect to hundreds of thousands of people who are looking for what it is you offer.

So what should be one of your biggest goals? Traffic. Before you even get on Facebook, you must have a website or blog to drive people to first. You need to be able to continue to build those relationships outside of Facebook. And the best way to do that is to have a way to get people on your email list.

People don’t buy from you right off of Facebook. They also don’t buy from you the first time they visit your website, right? You have to build up that trust. But Facebook is amazing for strengthening that familiarity and credibility and for driving people to your site so they can get to know even more about what it is that you do.

The next time you get frustrated with Facebook or social media results in general, remember that there is no such thing as overnight success. But stick with it and the seeds you plant now will result in business rewards before you know it.

About the author: Christine Gallagher, MLS, MSIS, founder of CommunicateValue.com, teaches small business owners and professionals how to conquer the overwhelming aspects of online and social media marketing to increase business and maximize profits. For FREE tips on how to build profitable relationships, leverage technology and create your own successful online business, visit CommunicateValue.com

Source: www.ideamarketers.com
Photo: geekandpoke

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According to a study done recently by the Aberdeen Group companies are using sites like Facebook to improve the interactions they have with their customers. The study showed that companies that use social networking sites are 17 times more likely to improve customer satisfaction than companies that don’t use them.

If you already have a profile on the site but aren’t sure how to leverage it for networking, brand visibility and gaining feedback–check out these top tips for boosting your reach through this hot social tool.

1. Take Special Care in Filling out Your Profile

You will want to take the time to thoroughly fill out your profile, especially making sure to include your website address and your interests and activities. People appreciate this type of insight into the person behind the business.

2. Join & Contribute to Groups

Joining groups relevant to your niche is a good way to reach your target market and share your knowledge. Be sure to comment in the discussions and post helpful tips and links.

3. Start Your Own Group

Taking the group idea up a notch, why not create your own group? Be seen as an authority while forming relationships with other members you have invited. Encourage conversation and participation and include a way for others to find out more about your business when you fill in your info as the administrator for the group.

4. Update Often

This doesn’t mean you need to spend hours on the site, but for the time you do carve out, update your status and add relevant, helpful links, photos or information to your profile. Because these types of updates show up through the News Feed function for others, you are creating a viral spread of information that helps build your brand and create familiarity.

5. Suggest, Recommend and Introduce

If you know people you think should be introduced, then facilitate that. Recommend and suggest resources to others. All of these activities create community and contribute to the awareness of both you and what you have to offer.

6. Import Your Blog Posts

You can use the Notes application to pull your blog posts into your profile. The posts then appear in others’ news feeds, adding to your credibility and expert status in your particular niche.

7. Create a Page for Your Business

Facebook Pages are a nice option because it allows you to have a whole separate profile for your business. You can invite others to join the page, post relevant items, hold discussions and “naturally” promote your services or products. The best thing about it? Facebook is ranked so highly in the search engines that by giving your business a page, it helps your business rank highly as well!

8. Personalize Your Friend Requests

It is a good idea to add a friendly message when you are making a friend request. People are more likely to remember you and it’s just a good relationship-building practice.

9. Promote Your Events

If you are holding sales, teleseminars, courses, live events or anything of the like, you can create invites for your friends to receive with all the relevant information included. This is great for increasing participation and driving traffic.

10. Place Targeted Ads

“Social Ads” as they are called on Facebook are another option. This can be a powerful way to increase brand awareness. With these ads you are able to select targeted demographics for your campaigns.

Remember, it is about relationship building, not “push” marketing. A few cautions: make sure you never do anything that could be seen as spam. Take time to explore the privacy options on your profile and keep in mind how all of your Facebook activities may be perceived by your potential clients and customers.

Once you really jump in and get involved I think you will find Facebook to be a fabulous tool for both networking and visibility. If it is overwhelming, take it one step at a time–but don’t stand on the sidelines any longer. After all, it’s not just for college kids anymore!

About the author: Christine Gallagher, MLS, MSIS, founder of CommunicateValue.com, teaches solopreneurs and small business owners how to boost their business and their profits by using online marketing and social media tools to communicate effectively and authentically. For F.R.E.E. tips on how to build profitable relationships, leverage technology and create your own successful online business, visit CommunicateValue.comCourtesy: IdeaMarketers

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