How to Use Online Social Networking to Market – Part 2

The Importance of Your Social Networking Profile and How to Stay Safe

The popularity of social networking continues to increase. If you don’t believe me click here to see proof.

Because social networking has become so popular with all age groups and because it allows people to share information on just about any subject online marketers now use it to drive traffic to their sites and sales pages.

Now a lot has been written about what is important when starting your own social networking community and everyone agrees that the first thing you must do is fill out your profile. Your profile is important because most users of social networking sites are looking to join with someone who has the same goals, views, beliefs, or interests as they do. And without a profile it is difficult or impossible to tell what your interests are.
Therefore your social networking profile is not only important, it is necessary.

Also most online marketers agree that pictures and detailed personal information help to increase your page views get you more community members. However when you fill out your profile you need to be careful.

When you create a profile page on a social networking site remember you are creating a public web page. Despite what you may believe, most social networking websites do not have restrictions on who can view your personal profile. In fact, internet users, even those that do not belong to your online community, can easily see your profile. Since anyone, literally anyone, can see your social networking profile on many social networking websites, you should be cautious about the amount and type of information you provide.

Here’s what you should and should not put in your public profile.

You should post a picture in your profile when social networking for your business. People are more inclined to trust someone if they have a picture to associate with a name. However you should choose your picture carefully. You want to look your best but don’t want to post a picture that is too revealing or seductive in nature. Also, if you have a company or website logo, you may want to consider using your logo as your picture.

In addition to your picture, you should include your name or company name and your location. Now, when it comes to providing this information, you need to be cautious. A large number of online social networking sites require that you include your city and state information. If you live in small town and you are required to list the city and the state where you live, you should think about using a nearby city or town. Providing your picture, your full name and your address can be dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands. So while you would like to fill your social networking profiles with lots of detailed personal information you are should think about your and your family’s personal safety before anything else.

Providing too much detailed information can create a security risk. You should not post detailed information about your children, the actual address of your home and your income in your public profile. This does not mean that you should be filled with fear and provide no information. It does mean however that you need to be cautious about the information you do provide. For example, you may want to state how many children you have but you do not want to give out their names, ages and the schools they attend. Remember, too much information in the wrong hands is a dangerous thing!

Yes, social networking can be a great way to get traffic to your website. And remember that it’s your profile that allows people to find you and helps get their trust. But always be cautious with the amount of detail you provide because being safe is more important than what others think or feel.

To Your Success,
Susan

P.S. Although social networking is a good way to get targeted traffic to your site there are others. You can get information about 11 other traffic generating methods here.

Tags: how to use social networking to advertise, using online social networking to market, why do people use online social networking

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