Chapter 5: Take Advantage of Social Networking
Find the delicate balance between being a helpful resource and monetizing your social networking sites.
Internet marketing is all about people. Social networking is a great way for people to stay in touch, and it is still the most popular tool for friends to connect with friends. The three top social networking sites are by now known to almost everyone online: establishing a relationship first is a big advantage, both in closing the deal and in developing future business.
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In addition, more sites are coming online and growing in popularity every day.
It’s important to remember why people use social networking sites.
It's to stay in touch with friends. You need to keep this in mind as you think about your Internet marketing strategy. If you have ever had a friend or family member who was involved in network marketing, then you are familiar with the challenges. Have you ever had to cut off all contact with certain “friends” because they simply could not stop talking about their "opportunity"? Their inability to turn off the business spiel may ultimately cost them the relationship. That's the last thing you want to happen to you in your social networking campaign. While it's true that people come to your site with the understanding that you are selling products, you need to find the delicate balance between being a helpful resource and monetizing your social networking sites. This balance may differ depending on the type of business that you have. But the main thing to ask yourself is, "Would I enjoy visiting my site?" That's a hard question to answer. But you have to ask it.
It's important to remember the basics. People like to hang out with her friends. They like to buy, but not be sold. Keep these principles in mind as you develop your social networking strategy.