But, what if the post is a question? If you know the answer then reply. However, if you’re the twentieth person to reply with the same answer… forget it. Wait for another opportunity. What if the post is about a comment about a particular topic? If you disagree vehemently, then don’t engage in a rabid discussion. If only slightly disagree, then send a quick, “I see your point, but here’s mine” type of post without encouraging a fight. If the post is on a personal issue… use wise judgment.

Add some of your own original thoughts It’s ok for you to start the conversations also. One of the things I love about Facebook is the ability to post notes. These are separate from your imported blog posts and update statuses. They are extra. Extra content to add to the conversation. You can write your note on anything you want. I would suggest you keep it topical to your particular profile, niche, hobbies, and/or friends likes.

Once you begin to establish your own following (by actively engaging in conversations) you begin to reap the rewards by starting your own conversations. People will be more “in tuned” to what you have to say, check out your own notes, and then begin replying and linking to you.

That’s exactly what you want out of your social marketing efforts. People talking to you, about you, and linking to your notes, posts, updates, and thoughts.

Don’t be limited to just one social outlet I see a lot of people making this mistake. But, it’s a natural thing. We find something we like, get comfortable with it and don’t want to change. We feel like there can’t be anything better. I don’t buy it. I’m always looking into the next thing to come along and be engaged in it.

Here’s an example. After Twitter became very popular other micro-blogging platforms began to emerge. Most notable of these would be Pownce, Plurk, and Identi.ca. A lot of Twitter users don’t want to have anything to do with them. “It’s not as good.” “I don’t like the timeline.” “It’s too hard to follow.” The excuses begin to pile up… and stink after awhile.

You should sign up with every social media website you can for the different conversations that are happening at each one. I have joined each micro-blogging website and have different followers on each. I learn different things, connect with different people, and am able to post, or update, with different items.

By connecting on several different social media websites you are creating a much wider range of contacts, thus further maximizing your marketing impact.

Marketing is in the conversations

As you can see by just engaging in the conversations that are happening you don’t have to do any blatant advertising. Your contributions, your thoughts, your replies, your notes, your wide ranging reach is your advertising.

Therefore, you don’t need to constantly be bombarding people with your URL, special notices, new product recommendations, or any other advertising ploy. Just be yourself and engage.

By doing that you then have permission to also post your URL, special notices, product reviews and the such. You have permission because you’ve been actively conversing.

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