10 Tips For Building Your Business on Facebook

There are lots of social networking web sites that you can join today like Gather and Zaadz, and they all have their pros and cons. The best way to choose a community to join is to evaluate the people who are members. For me, Facebook is one of the best websites for networking, both personally and professionally. I also use Linked In and Myspace. Of all the social networks, Facebook is the best place when it comes to all around marketing and networking.I have been using Facebook for the past two years, and it is a top-notch marketing tool to add to your marketing arsenal. Here are 10 ways you can use Facebook to promote your online business for FREE!1. Create an Attractive Profile: This is the FIRST thing that you must do to make an impact on Facebook . Think of your Facebook profile as part of your marketing campaign. A strong profile will include a professional photo of you. Don't use the one of you dressed as the Easter Bunny, unless that's what your selling. Make sure your new Facebook profile is complete. You should include your contact information, your website address (this is really important), education, work history and your personal interests. A complete profile is the only way to go.2. Add Friends: This is what makes Facebook a great platform - the ability to make friends, build relationships and sustain them. The more relationships you build, the more inspiring your marketing efforts will be. You can use Facebook's own tools to find friends that already belong to Facebook. Once you add your friends, you can search for people with matching interests. Make their acquaintance, become their friend, build a relationship. One great feature on Facebook is that you can see friends of your friends. This will help you build a monster network in no time.3. Join Groups: You can join online groups on Facebook that are relevant to what you do. There are groups for filmmakers, communities, and teachers. Almost every imaginable kind of professional service provider has some kind of an online group. I belong to several Facebook groups and have made many new contacts this way.4. Create your Own Facebook Group: Can’t find a group that really fits your style? Create your own! You can add members, publish articles, trigger some great discussions, and probably nurture quite a few long lasting relationships. And even if you find great group to belong to, start your own. This gives you the opportunity to be the trendsetter!5. Syndicate your Blog Using RSS: You can syndicate your blog on your profile page. This basically means that every time you make a post, it will automatically show up on your profile page. More Exposure = More Readers = More Leads = More Business. And the bonus is the back links to your site. I syndicate headlines from on Facebook.6. Comment on Other Peoples Profiles: Are you a follower or devotee of someone’s work? Reach out to them on Facebook! Many of my business contacts check their Facebook messages more constantly than their email. They are also more likely to respond to Facebook messages. Don’t feel quite right sending out a message to someone you don’t know? No worries! Leave them a “just saying hi!” or “I enjoy your work!” blurb on their wall. All Facebook profiles come with “virtual walls” where friends and acquaintances can leave a comment. The more messages you leave on your friend's profiles the more exposure you get!7. Add an Event: Hosting a Live Event? Create an events page and invite all those you know. You can even see how many people RSVPed and get feedback from your guests. Marketing doesn’t get any easier (or cheaper!) than this.8. Send Virtual Gifts: Want to show your appreciation for someone? Send them a virtual gift. You can choose from a 4 leaf clover to an egg that hatches a surprise gift over 4 days (plus tons of others). With all the third party applications for gift giving available, what are you waiting for. This is a fun way to "win friends and influence people"!9. Use Some Cool Apps: Facebook has literally tons of applications that were built just for the site. Event planners, testimonial gatherers, News and more. When you use an application, you get to invite your friends to use these fun mini applications (Apps). So just like number 8 above, this allows you another way to stay in touch with your Facebook friends. Again, this helps you build strong relationships.10. Create a Community: Perhaps Facebook’s greatest benefit is that it allows you to create a community. It provides you a group of people who are invariably connected to you, and they are open to hearing what you have to say. Write on people’s walls, reply to their comments, and introduce them to each other. Start building your brand and leveraging Facebook for social marketing! Facebook is a fantastic place to meet lots of new people who may also become customers and/or clients. Just keep one thing in mind: don't get too carried away and spend all your time there. Facebook is a tool, part of your online marketing campaign. Use the tips above, use them wisely and have a little fun at the same time.