Social Networking has become a very effective way to market your products or services to targeted groups of people. The best thing about it is that, it is for free folks! I highly recommend you start social networking soon and make this one of your new marketing methods, in case you are not already doing so. There are some things you should be aware of though, which I will talk about later in this article.

Firstly, I would like to list my favourite top 10 Social Networking sites. These are also the most popular ones available on the internet:

1. Facebook

In my opinion the best social networking platform, and is growing rapidly! Besides finding long lost friends it is also an excellent site for attracting leads, meeting like minded folk and networking.

2. MySpace

Also a very popular site, and is used for many different purposes, such as blogging, music and business.

3. YouTube

This is a little bit like the Facebook set up, but then for the use of posting videos. Excellent for promoting your business and branding yourself. Search engines love video, and people love watching videos instead of having to read.

4. Twitter

This site is all about, ‘What Are You Doing Right Now?’. You can post messages to the world, called ‘Tweets’. Your message should not exceed 140 characters.

5. Squidoo

With Squidoo, you create a page about whatever it is you like. This is what they call a ‘Lens’. A perfect way to promote your services and or products. Create a ‘Lens’ for each product that you sell, and tell the world all about it.

6. Skype

I love Skype. This is a brilliant piece of software that allows you to communicate for free and start networking with like minded people.

7. Xanga

I recently found this one, and joined. You can create a blog here, share pictures, videos, links and more. Good for networking and meeting people.

8. LinkedIn

This platform is more for professional social networking. On this site you promote your business, yourself, your skills etc… . I have found many folk on this site whom I contracted for some specialised tasks I needed to get done in my line of work.

9. AOL HomeTown

Another networking site, for socialising, meeting new people and making friends.

10. MSN Groups

Start social networking in this community, especially designed for people that are using MSN.

Now that I have listed my top 10 fave ones, you are probably wondering as to how you can use these sites for marketing your business. Let me explain…

How do I use social networking sites for marketing my business?

First of all, keep in mind that these are all SOCIAL networking sites. Don’t just post messages to promote your business. The way I utilise these sites is to brand myself as an expert within my work industry. Post interesting things, golden nuggets, but also fun things. You are after all, a real person, with a life, a family and entertainment. Offer people help, tips and pieces of information that are interesting to them.