Make it easy for your readers; help them share your content information with their own network of friends. You need to always place the Facebook share icon at the beginning of you posts. This is an extra step and it will take some more time, but it can make a huge difference.

Add a button that shares your blog posts on Facebook to each of your blog entries. When you do this, your visitors can share your post with their Facebook friends. This will increase the number of visitors to you blog, which should in turn increase sales.

There is little point to making a social media marketing effort if your content is unappealing and attracts no readers. Proofread your content carefully to be sure that it is engaging and informative. Try including headlines and sub-headlines that dazzle the reader and capture their eye.

When you are creating content for your Facebook page or for a tweet on Twitter, proofread it before you submit it. Your work needs to be professional–it can’t be full of typos and should be written in standard English instead of “netspeak.” Using abbreviations is sometimes appropriate, especially on Twitter, but be careful. Do your best to make your content look good.

Avoid simple product pushing to generate followers in your social marketing efforts. Go ahead and add in links or any other related material to attract more people to your site. You can get people engaged by running contests, ask questions or post new pictures. Find ways to get your followers engaged and involved. It is helpful to include product information that helps your readers imagine using your product or service in their own lives rather than a description of the product. If you can help your customers to associate the brand with their own personal identity, you’re set.

Use LinkedIn and connect it to your blog to increase your marketing prowess. If you put a button on your blog that allows readers to share it on LinkedIn, you can quickly add to your potential readership. When your readers share you with their friends, even more attention comes your way. With 100 million users, this can be lucrative.

Try using social media profiles for having people see your store and buy your wares. Keep followers informed about both your online and your live endeavors from special sales to new store locations. You could also offer the option to print out valuable coupons; another option is to grant access to special editions or limited-time offers. Customers are unlikely to connect with your brand on Facebook if you do not offer anything of value.

Try throwing a Twitter party. In this sort of online event, you specify a day and time when people will be on Twitter and ready to use hashtags to discuss a predetermined topic. Invite some bloggers to join in and give recommendations to customers. Take care when choosing bloggers. It’s important to select well-known bloggers that will invite their reader base to the chat.

Create excitement for business events by posting about them on social networks. Inform followers in advance about upcoming events and projects that are in the works. Then your customers will be anticipating the launch of your new products when you have them ready.

Look into what other businesses are doing on Facebook and see what you like about how they promote their businesses and use that towards creating your page. Take note of what you think they’re doing right, and avoid the things you think they’re doing wrong. Create a page that stands out and appeals to users.

Stop updating your Facebook page for the day if you’ve made three posts. It’s been proven that people get irritated when they are bombarded with information about a company. Stick to posting three important pieces of information you think your customers need to know, and then don’t post any more until the following day.

Commit yourself to building a strong relationship with your customer base, if that is the type of relationship you want. If increasing sales is your main goal, then use social media solely as an advertising channel. Saying “Hello” is a great way to begin a relationship with your customers. The customers and followers should help lead the conversations from that point.

Without being too intrusive, have regular interaction with your clientele. If you have something relevant to say on their Facebook statuses or other posts, go for it. It is important that you do not participate in personal conversations; you should limit your posts to topics related to your business.

A smart and effective way to give your business positive publicity is to run contests with great prizes on various social networking sites, such as Twitter and Facebook. The social aspect of this new online media makes it easier than ever to quickly disseminate information. Try and let the contest be entertaining, amusing, and relevant to your business’ offerings. Perhaps you could have contestants come up with a logo for your next item.

Include a Facebook “Like” button on your blog, and on each post you make there. If you make it simple, they are more likely to follow through. The less effort your reader has to make to access information on your site, the more likely it is that he’ll visit it again.

Approach social media as a marketing tool. Social media is serious business; don’t think of it as a way people waste time with games or by sharing status updates about the mundane details of their lives. There is a whole new potential customer base waiting for you there. Now that you’ve read this article, you know how to use the power of social media. Surf on over to your preferred platform and get going!

Richard Vanderhurst