Online network marketers have a significant opportunity with social network marketing. The explosion of social networking sites has led to a mad dash of marketers competing for web traffic. Online marketers must have a plan with a solid strategy in place in order to maximize their exposure on these sites. Huge web traffic to capture pages and blogs is the end result of utilizing these sites properly.

The nature of social sites is casual which can lead to an undisciplined atmosphere. Online marketers cannot fall into the trap and cannot use these sites exclusively for socializing. Clear objectives must be in order to build a successful business online when utilizing many of the social media sites.

There are 7 steps that can be used in order to ensure your success.

What's the Goal?

Set goals and develop a business plan. By taking this step ahead of time you will be able to maintain focus and cut down on wasted time. Many times, the goal is pretty simple. Get more traffic to your capture page and blog. By beginning with the end in mind, you will be much more effective with your time online and generate better results.

What is your Niche?

Identify the niche that you want to focus on and target people within that niche. Because social networks represent people from every possible walk of life you've got to be specific with who you target. You should only target people that have already expressed some level of interest in your product or service. It is important to fish where the fish are! You will be much more effective at building your business if you stick to your niche.

Don't be Annoying

Do not spam people! The worst thing you can do is to make a new connection and begin pitching your business opportunity from the jump. This method is far from the point of social network marketing. Never forget that people join YOU in business not your company. Therefore, invest in building value in yourself. All of your credibility will go out the window and you will lose any traction that you have made by spamming people. You will never maintain any long term relationships with this method.

Interact

Comment on posts, begin conversations, be social. Do it right, the potential for a lot of traffic to your blog and capture pages is quite large. Start conversations. The more you interact with people the faster that you will be accepted. Social network sites are tremendously valuable for social network marketers but you must pay your dues and genuinely be focused on building quality relationships first. Time taken to till the soil will be well worth the investment.

Add Value

Become the go to person by adding valuable posts and links. Immediate value to your followers is the goal. A lot of times it should be content that they can apply to their business TODAY. Make sure that all the information you are posting is for the viewers benefit, not your own. Give before you get. You will gain a loyal following quickly by giving away valuable content. A quote of the day or other interesting links that fits your niche is a great way to generate a growing interest in YOU and in turn you'll begin to gain interest in your company.

Do You!

Be yourself. Don't be fake. People can tell if you are trying to be someone that you are not. You have a lot to offer, share it! Like attracts like. Your people will love what you love. So get in there and make friends with new people and strike up real, genuine conversations. If you are not truly interested in the subject or if you do not have time to spend hours on social sites, hire someone from your niche market to do it for you. A real approach to social network marketing will seamlessly lead to better results.

Don't Give Up and Be Consistent

Be patient and keep plugging away. You enter as a stranger when you enter the social network marketing arena. It takes time for your online friends to get to know you and establish a level of comfort. The end result of higher traffic is the result so the time invested is well worth it. The time invested initially will pay off in the long run.

Your online business has tremendous potential with social network marketing. You have to stay disciplined and take consistent action for results. Social network marketing is hands down one of the most effective ways to grow your business at a grass roots level. However, if not done correctly, it can result in a serious backlash, turning prospects away from you. Your business will grow much faster when you implement these 7 keys and you will be at a point where you have more leads than you know what to with!

Ian Fitzpatrick is an expert team builder and has generated millions of dollars in revenue. He wrote this Social Network Marketing article as a resource for internet marketers.

social media expert writes: twitter is a good social network and SEO too

18:18:51 Tue Feb 9 2010 CST


Pages: 1