If you're new to social media, it can be extremely overwhelming. While social media courses are available, all it really takes is trial and error on your part in order to learn the basics.

For example, a lot of people don't know how important it is to have separate personal and business accounts for Twitter, Facebook and Myspace. Customers and future clients do not want to hear about where you went to eat for lunch or your religious or political views. Unless you are an expert columnist on religion or politics, people don't care to see it. Plus, you could end up offending people by accident, causing a major blow to your business. I have a separate Twitter page for my blog and for my business website.

It is okay to let your true personality shine through, because it's called "social media" for a reason! Re-tweeting a comment from a person you're following is a great way to make connections and gain more followers, just make sure the comment you're re-tweeting is beneficial for your clients. Direct messaging all new followers you have gained is also a great way to show you're interested in what they have to offer, while promoting your website and/or blog.

Having a Facebook Fan Page is important in order to promote your business and add more fans or customers. Plus, you can track how many hits you acquire each week with your Facebook fan page, and it's free! If you have a little money, you can create a Facebook Ad to promote your fan page, which could help to add more hits on your business website.

A LinkedIn account is primarily used for business contacts, but you can also join groups that could help you make more contacts, which will eventually help with your business or help those contacts become your customers. I have found joining groups on LinkedIn a great way to social network!

Creating a Google Profile can also help promote your name and business. You can add your picture, career information, and the website URL's for your business and links to your Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and LinkedIn pages. It's an easy way to get on the first page of a Google search when your name is being Googled so when prospective clients need to look you up, your credentials are listed on your Google Profile. Here is a link to my Google Profile http://www.google.com/profiles/traceytx

It’s all about making your name and business accessible on all levels of social media, while gaining more hits on your website(s). Wouldn’t you rather be found on the first page of a Google search when a client or prospective customer Googles your name?