Websites such as MySpace, Facebook, and Bebo host a range of different applications, users and advertisements. These make up all the things needed in a common social networking website. It really depends on your business type for the best place to advertise your product or service.
Firstly you will have your own profile on Myspace (I've chosen Myspace because it has the most users therefore you can reach a wider range of people) there will be content on there, a few blog posts perhaps and a couple of pictures, so when people go to your profile they've got something to look at. Also include links to your website, products and/or services so if someone is interested there and then it is simple to see what they need to do.
You'll also need a layout, nothing too fancy or confusing, maybe use one from the thousands of Myspace layouts website you can find if you do a simple search on Google. Certainly don't leave it on the default version because users will think you are a newbie and won't be interested. Social networking sites are very shallow, it's all about aesthetics.
You now need friends. Start by adding people in your area, they will feel comforted by the fact that you are local and may even take a look at your profile in the adding process. It's a sad fact that in the search for friends people do not worry about who they add. The more friends the better, so most people will no doubt add you without even one look at your profile.
Now the main ways to tell people about your company:
Bulletins
These need to be short, simple and keyword rich. Bear in mind that very few people read these and it's only your friends that can read them therefore you need as many friends as possible.
Birthday Comments
You will get notifications of new friends birthdays. When you get one go and comment on their profile wishing them a happy birthday and maybe even offering them a discount or some other promotion on your product or service.
Picture comments
As I mentioned before these users are generally quite shallow and vain therefore they want to be told how great they look. Tell them and sign your name with your website address.
Sales Promotions
Both on your website and on your profile tell people of special promotions for Myspace friends. It'll get people adding you and will lead to sales.
Blog Posts
Write something interesting doesn't have to be particularly on topic. Then bulletin about it.
Ask for Picture Comments
The general post goes "PC4PC" which means picture comment for picture comment. This means that if people comment on your pictures you'll comment on theirs, this works because to get to your pictures people will have to go through your profile.
Make Friends
Don't be a faceless business. Introduce yourself to prospective clients and create a rapport, just like you would in the real world.
Try Not to Use the Same Messages
When you message people or comment, use their names and don't use the same generic messages for every post, people will see through this and ignore it.
Explore the site that you are on, create a personal profile to get to know it but don't forget that you will have to spend a good few hours a day on these websites making yourself known, posting bulletins, making friends and replying to messages. Hard work but well worth it in the end.
