Social Media Sites Small Businesses Need To Be On

Social Media has been around for a couple of years now and it has proven that it can connect people online.  We have all heard of Myspace, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc, and probably know at least 2 people who have profiles on one of these sites.  What a lot of people haven't realized is how much one of these sites can help your business.  Profiling your business on any of these sites can greatly improve the exposure and branding for your company.  If you haven't already

, make sure you get your business on these sites NOW.  Learn how to use each one of these sites and embrace the technology, it will pay off.

    LinkedIn - This is the social media destination for "professionals".  Everybody from Accountants to Personal Trainers are turning to LinkedIn to connect and network with other professionals in order to grow their business.  Register on the site, fill out your profile, then create a "Group" for your business.  This group will help exposure and others who do business with you can join the group and add reviews and comments.

    MySpace - The original.  MySpace arguably, started this whole social media craze.  While the site is full of tweens and bands, having your business on here can definitely help exposure.  Unlike LinkedIn and Facebook, a MySpace profile can be highly edited and customized.  To do this will take a little bit of HTML knowledge, which can be researched online, but will make the profile stand out. 

    YouTube - YouTube, like Myspace, is full of random videos but their are a ton of videos on there that profile businesses.  The most successful are what are called "Viral Videos".  These videos are usually funny, well done and get a clear message across about the business.  Think about your business and how you can create an entertaining 2 minute (maximum) video that will make an impression on the viewer.  These videos do not need to be expensive, do some investigating within the office and your network, there are many people with hidden talents.

    Facebook - Facebook is very similar to LinkedIn except it is just beginning to attract professionals (until recently it was strictly for students).  Create a profile, start a group and get networking.

    Yelp - If you run a restaurant, gym, or any service focused business, get your company on here.  Yelp is a user generated review site where people can post reviews, positive & negative, about their experiences at virtually any business.  This is a great way to have your customers promote your business for you while also learning where you can improve.

     Twitter - Twitter is still very new.  it's become very popular with tech companies and real estate agents.  Twitter allows you to update others in your network with what you are doing/working on at that moment.  At this time, I would say the biggest benefactor of this site would be the ability to network and connect with other professionals.  It may seem weird at first, but twittering is definitely the social media of the future.