Although taking advantage of free advertising can be somewhat time consuming it is also very inexpensive. Not only that, but it is also one of the most effective forms of advertising-believe it or not.
Think of it this way. Which person would you most likely be willing to buy from? Someone you have spoken to personally or someone of who you have no personal knowledge of whatsoever? Would you rather purchase a product or service from someone you have spoken to personally or respond to an impersonal ad displayed by a company may not even know?
Free advertising is one way that many small business owners have started out. Think back to the old days. Many business owners simply found sales leads by mingling with other friends, other business associates, and with neighbors.
The above example of promotion is commonly known as networking. In can also be called social networking, which is a buzz term used to describe online forum, blog, and friend communities. In fact, online social networking and business networking happens in a very similar way as offline social and business networking.
The advantage of this type of advertisement is that it is not really advertising at all. You an talk to people and socialize with them and they may not even realize you are advertising.
Most of the time free advertising via social networking works in the following way:
You are talking to an online friend, either by way of a friend e-mail network such as MySpace, Facebook, or Beliefnet. That friend happens to mention what you do for a living. And you, proud home Internet business owner that you are, start telling this person about all your products and services.
That friend you talk to then starts using your products and services (assuming your online friend does). If your friend thinks your services are great, then your friend will refer you to other friends who may also think your services are great.
It's like a domino effect. Soon everyone knows about you and you didn't even have to pay huge advertisement campaign fees.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networking
Social networking as a form of free advertising has its advantages and disadvantages. The obvious advantage has been described already-exposure of your products, services and/or company at little to no cost.
Another advantage is that you get to know new people and make great new friends. It is a more personal way of doing business and it helps newer businesses establish a trust and report with those they deal with.
The only primary disadvantage is that social networking can be quite time consuming. Not only do you do your regular work but you have to post at various forums and blogs. However, there are different types of software that can make this type of work easier for you.
Also, you must be careful when you are involved in social networking. You do not want to be accused of spam. It is a good idea to make each message that you post as unique as possible.
Also, make sure that you post messages on boards that are relevant to this topic. This would be the first thing other readers and webmasters will see-whether or not you are there for the people or for yourself.
Prove to the people at social networking sites that you are there for them-not just to make money. This is the best way to reach them.
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