Online social  networks are vital to the growth of any business in today’s rapidly changing  online marketplace. They are designed to  foster human interaction, which in turn can build trust for you and your  business. You can coordinate social  media, Search Engine Optimization, and paid search marketing through one single  marketing platform. With a little time  invested, some of the benefits you will see are increased revenue, powerful  customer relationships, increased traffic to your website, and brand presence.

The newest way to tap into the online social network is by the use  of Facebook. Like a college fraternity, socializing is the key to success. Originally created for college students, it  is now open to anyone. Recent statistics  show Facebook grows by about 3% each week with 25 and older being the fastest  growing segment of its users.

Your Top Facebook Strategies:

- Create  a fantastic profile. Enter as much  professional information as possible, and make sure your profile relates you to  the same group as your target audience.

- Join a  network and a group. Facebook puts  people into social networks based on workplace, region, or school. Your regional network should be based on the  area you want to target.

- Post  relevant content. Build credibility by  adding content to your page and links to articles you have written or link to  your blog.

- Create  your own group. By starting your own  group you have complete control over the content as well as who it reaches.

- Interact  with others online. I said it before and  now again, socializing is the key to Facebook. Start a new topic in the discussion board, comment on profiles, play games,  etc. This will increase your exposure to  other members.

- Continue  relationships beyond Facebook. Facebook  is a great beginning, but your focus should be on extending past that. Try  www.linkedin.com

  Marketing on Facebook is very similar to marketing through other  online networks. You can build your  brand, drive website traffic, or sell  products. Facebook is an open-source  application, which allows any programmer to create an add-on. You have the  ability to add onto the site and customize your applications.  Some have created drop-down menus or added music  capability. Having the ability to create  add-ons will allow you to reinforce your branding. You will have the  opportunity to market yourself by creating tools others might find useful. Another  way you can market is to create a flyer or banner. You can post your ad for a small fee on  different networks. Your ad will be  served 2500 times a day per $5 investment. You also have control over the  target it reaches. It even allows you to target based on keywords or utilize performance  based pay per click programs.

With some careful planning, you can become involved in many social  groups. Thankfully, you avoid the hazing that some encountered in college, and  you can still be part of the popular crowd.