Alma Said:

Recruiters and searching Facebook, Myspace and Twitter accounts?

We Answered:

I use the site www.pipl.com - it's one of those search engines that goes far and wide - designed specifically for searching for people. There's quite a few of them out there - I just chose that one. Put yourself in and see what it finds.

Joanne Said:

Do I need a personal website to supplement my job search?

We Answered:

It depends on the type of job. Be careful here. More and more employers are checking Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter for inappropriate behavior. For example, pictures of you with a bong (a water pipe used for smoking marijuana), or if you are underage, a picture of you with alcohol. (Some people might assume that any plastic cup holds alcohol.) Check your privacy settings to prevent someone who isn't your friend on these services from seeing much information.

If you have a profile on LinkedIn, make certain it is up to date. Consider it as a resume so don't have negative comments about former employers.

If you are applying to be a reporter, a professionally written blog could be a plus.

I hope this helps.
Gary

Shelly Said:

Other methods to advertise your company online?

We Answered:

You need to work out where people are looking for the product your selling. Assuming that you've got a good product, and its the right price, if you can get it in front of the people who need and want it, that's when things start to get moving. Sounds basic, but its a good place to start a brain storm.

Where did your last 100 customers come from, how did they find you?

Basic or general online directories are fine for SEO and link building, but people rarely find products that way these days.

If your target market or audience use Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, that's great, but on their own they won't generate massive traffic unless you have a very fashionable, bleeding edge, or brand new product, or those mediums are used in conjunction with other marketing or advertising means.

A good website is only any use if people searching for your product can find it, otherwise its likely an excellent hotel that no-one knows about in the middle of the dessert.

If your product is something that people buy online, or search for online and then call you about as a result of seeing your website, being top of Google is vital. If you aren't on the front page through natural search, you may need to pay for some sponsored search whilst you work with someone who knows the SEO business who can optimise your website, and help you improve your search ranking. That could take 3 to 6 months to get right, but its an ongoing job to keep at the front.

Some well crafted press releases about your company and the product that get out onto the web with back links are very good. Getting other websites in your sector or industry to list or point to your website will also help.

If you have a professional or trade body getting them to list your company name, a bit about you and some links to your site will raise profile, drive traffic and improve your search results.

If someone or a company asks you to pay them for doing SEO, make sure they show you proof that they know what they're doing. The only way to do this is for them to show you a portfolio of sites they manage, and ask them to let you speak to a couple of independent customers of their's to get their feedback on how good they are!

Yvonne Said:

What's the point of having Facebook, Twitter, and other accounts?

We Answered:

It is simple. Adjust privacy settings so that only people added as friends can see your profile, moniter who you add (if you ask yourself "who the hell is this" don't add them), and don't say dumb ****. Your boss isn't going to be offended if you don't add them on facebook, and likewise do not insult them on facebook. It is nothing like 1984, because if you are smart enough then it is only your friends on there.

Bernice Said:

Can you advise me regarding Facebook issues?

We Answered:

For small business marketing purposes you need to set up a Facebook Fan Page. That is where you have control over what is posted and who posts. A personal Facebook page is just for social networking with friends, perhaps close clients to create stronger personal as well as business relationships.

If you don't like the little applications, like the gifts and games, on your personal Facebook page you can always block those application. Just click on the application that's on your profile and there should be a "block application" tab. you can block what ever applications you don't want to show up on your profile. When it comes to the news feeds for your Facebook page, well that's there so you can connect with your friends.

But for marketing and promoting your business you should start a fan page. You can start one by going to the menu on the left hand side on your "Home" page. There should be a tab called "Ads and Pages" click that.

You will be taken to a page where you can create a ppc ad for Facebook. There should be a little icon that looks like an orange flag called "Pages" (on the left hand side menu bar) click that and then choose what type of page you want to create. Small business, consulting, pets or whatever your business may be.

Facebook fan pages are for promoting your business, you can post any articles or blog posts you created, you can let customers leave reviews, link your twitter, YouTube accounts and your business blog to post to your fan pages as well as put out promotions for your product or service.

Be sure to customize your fan page with your business logo and brand it for your business that's what its for. You can then invite your friends on Facebook to become fans of your business page as well as promote it on your website and through Facebook ppc to further grow your brand and business.

I hope this helps you with marketing your business on Facebook.