Don’t you just hate when people become your friends on social networking sites only to leave a big ad about themselves on your comment space or email you constantly about their business? It is rude, annoying and inconsiderate. You want to make friends and create traffic to your site, right? Here are 5 ways to get yourself out there without being pushy or selfish.
1. Leave a personal comment. Once you make a connection with a person, visit their profile and see what the other person has to offer. Then leave a comment about them. For instance, if a person is a jewelry designer say something like, “Jane, thanks for accepting my friend invitation. By the way, love those pearl earrings on page 2.” This will make you stand out and let the person know that you are someone who actually navigates through people’s profile, which means they will want to know more about you.
2. Use the signature function. If you joined a forum or discussion board, most likely they have a place where you can add a personal signature. Put your name, name of business, website and/or tagline here. This way you can chat about whatever topic or issue and still get yourself out there without making a big stink about it. Use your signature on your email as well.
3. Join a directory. There is a directory for almost anything. If you are a female blogger, BlogHer.com is great spot for you. If you are a creator of webcomics, thewebcomiclist.com is your solution. Also, try to get yourself registered to the Open Directory Project on dmoz.org. This is the largest human-edited directory on the web and it can’t hurt to have yourself listed. Research. Find. Join.
4. Ask bloggers for interviews. The internet is full of bloggers about every subject imaginable. If you happen to find a blog that pertains to you or your business, ask for an interview. Many bloggers love to met new people and get fresh material for their blog. If they say no, no harm done. Move on and find someone else.
5. Podcast Ads. If you really want an ad, go through podcast. They are cheap, easy, and effective. Find a podcast that relates to the type of service or product your company offers and strike a deal. They are always looking for advertising and are willing to work with you.
Do you have any other suggestions? What is working for you?
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I have found that twitter and retweeting the work of others has helped me out. There are many tweeters out there who will actually thank you for retweeting them, and even return the favor.
Wow I feel pretty good now i just have to keep up with these blogs and hopefully something will catch on! Thanks for these great tips Belkis! The market out there is brutal and everything helps, I’m currently looking to get some full time work so i will try and see how these helpful hints go, I’ll keep you posted!
Yes, I love Twitter. It definitely is another good way to advertise yourself and connect with others.
Hey Belkis…good article…:)
I noticed here and of course all over people are twittering…;)
I have ComicSpace, MySpace, Facebook, LiveJournal, my website plus my art on my artist’s rep site…oh and also Linked and ArtWanted…do you think I should add on Twitter? What’s the benefits, etc…And also, should I keep all the other sites or should I cut some back? Meaning do you think some sites might be dinosaurs and people are really hanging out more at one site vs. the others?
Mike,
Good question. First, you should definitely try Twitter. It is the newest and latest thing right now. Honestly, I find it very useful. Sometimes all people want to know is “What are doing?” Though, this question should not be taken literally. Many people use this to update followers without being to wordy. If you have a new illustration up, announce it or if you have a friend who recently came out with a book, direct your followers to their site. Twitter makes it easy to share your and your friends latest business activities.
However, I see you have many social networking sites. I would say concentrate on about 3-4 sites. You really don’t want to exhaust yourself by putting all these efforts on social networking without updating your site first. Remember, your site is primary. Sometimes people forget the real purpose of these social site. All the other sites are there to build traffic to your personal website.
I love Twitter. It’s a creative challenge to work within the 140 character rule. It’s also easy to get out those quick bits.
Bobby
I agree, Bobby.
Today was a perfect example. Felicia Day posted a twitter about her episode of Dollhouse not airing and within hours FOX put out an official response based on instant feedback from people who read the tweet and reposted. That’s quick information download.
Bobby
Amazing how news flies. The best is that Twitter is short and simple so you get to the point without all the BS.
Agreed.
Hey I like all of your suggestions and according me all of your five ways are important at their place and effective too. thanx for sharing.
hmmmm very nice
Some nice tips here.. thanks for these. I like #4