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Social Networking Does Not Work
03/24/08
Social Networking Does Not Work
I have found that Social Sites (not forums that is a whole new post) are all about you & your profile catching attention. You only have a few seconds to leave a good impression. You have to make passersby remember you in those few seconds. Your profile is your free mini splash page!
You have only a few minutes to have your profile completely set up once you register. Why? Most SN sites have a section for New Members, that means you will be featured for only a short amount of time. You must be ready for views. I will post about a profile kit in a while.
Since many of you already belong to some sites & are not getting results start here.
When I get a PM stating that a member has had no sales, clicks, sign ups..... The first thing I do is go to their profile to see what they have & if it could be improved. What do I normally find? NOTHING!!! By that I mean NOTHING! Here is what I would advise -
Add a picture of YOURSELF! People want to see that they are communicating with another real person. It is also YOUR Brand! Only YOU look like YOU! You want people to see your picture & think of YOUR Name.
Common excuse #1 for no picture - "I do not want people to judge me on my looks". Get over yourself! Most people do not care if you are short, tall, fat, thin, or what color your skin is. Look at people’s friends list - they have a wide variety of people. If someone is going to judge you for any of those reasons - move on you do not really need their negativity.
Common excuse # 2 for no picture - "I have my company logo so people know what I do". Well, then you & a few thousand other people all look the same so the odds of me picking you to join with are slim.
Common excuse # 3 for no picture (or using a cute avatar) - "I do not want people to know who I am". Wish granted! No one will know who you are - not really a good plan for getting sales.
About Me section – Tell everyone about YOU! Give them a chance to make a common connection with YOU! Are you from Siberia or Florida? Are you a mom, dad, pet lover, tree hugger….. You never know what will spark someone’s interest in YOU! Maybe my favorite aunt had a poodle & I loved that dog – or – I love growing roses also – or – I also have 6 grandkids…..
Common excuse for no About Me – “I do not want internet predators finding me or stealing my identity”. I understand to an extent but, you do not need to give out in depth details (home address, phone number, SS number, date of birth). Most people are happy with general info. They understand that you are as cautious about that type of info as they are.
Original Background – IF it is allowed to upload a background why not make it memorable as only YOU! Many sites allow you to upload a picture from your computer. Making an original background is pretty easy, if you have Word & Paint on your computer.
Profile Links– on your profile your links MUST be hot!!!! Almost no one will copy & paste your link to see your site! It MUST be click & go if at all possible.
Post Comments to others with a sig line!!!!!!! Hot link sig line!!! I do not care if you are posting a cute bunny graphic or a poem sign it with a HOT SIG LINE this must also have your first & last name, also your username if that is what you use allot. It is so easy to make an HTML sig line so that the link is covered & hot! Need help? Ask & I will give you the code.
Posting Comments gets your picture seen & builds links (if you use a sig line).
Do NOT post ads on other peoples pages, that is a HUGE turn OFF to everyone that sees it. No one wants to join up with a spammer! You know guilt by association.
I would suggest posting helpful tips to people not just a glitter graphic. If you do want to post a graphic include your own text message above it.
Always welcome new members! New members are excited & are eager to look around at other peoples profiles & projects!
Hope this helps,
Sheryl Loch
About the author
Sheryl Loch supports green living, natural cures, health prevention, and loves animals. Her internet productivity is learned from going against the grain and testing her theories. Most times her sarcastic and to the point writing gets attention. Her noted success in branding is unsurpassed by most. http://sherylloch.com
2 comments
I really think you have a home run with this blog on Social Networks. Hardly a day goes by that I don't get invitations (that's PLURAL) to new social networks that seem to be growing faster than the weeds in my yard.
There are a couple that have been around for a while, where I make frequent visits and keep the profiles up to date and in working order. Even when time is short and something has to be finished later, the picture and the URL's and at least a blurb about me get done.
I think it's more important and in the long run, more effective, to do one or two of these site right, and give them your all instead of speading yourself thin and belonging to 5 or 6 of them and not being able to give them the proper attention.
I always enjoy and learn from you blogs. Keep them coming!
Judy Smith
Bird Essentials
http://www.birdessentials.com
I also get that mass mail load of invites to new networks. But, like you I only really work a few. Of course Bizprenuer keeps me really busy, most of my time there is trying to answer the PM's like the main post. What kills me is when I send a message to someone, trying to help them, & they get mad. I have learned to get over it & move on.
I know many people that belong to every SN site that comes along & they do not have time to work any of them. Or they post the same business blog ad at all of them, I think that really does not do them any good. People soon realize that you just pop in to post an ad & run. People start ignoring you like they do junk mail.
I think so many people have been told you must post ads in mass. That may have worked a few years ago, now people want to connect with other like minded people. People have so many business opportunities shown to them but, only want to buy or join with people they feel they can trust & be friends with.
Thanks for stopping in Judy. I always like what you have to say.I know that you have been marketing for awhile & understand what is means to have a trustworthy business.
Sheryl Loch