I suggest starting with a well researched, geographically- specific, keyword list. Building traffic through search results does not have to be through PPC advertising.

In addition, there are many social networking sites where you can locate and cultivate a customer base for zero monetary cost. However, it will be an investment of your time.

I have an offer right now for 1 free email consultation. If you will send me an email with a couple of sentences about your biz, I will reply with 2 or 3 suggestions for online marketing efforts.

Best of luck!

I was just having a discussion about this very thing yesterday. I think at this point, I am more interested in contractor relationships than hiring...but it is great that you have enough business to start thinking about it!

I started out really liking Twitter...then something went wonky and I was unable to use Tweetdeck. Recently, I reinstalled it and now have no challenges. But I discovered that without Tweetdeck's ability to search and aggregate info that I find interesting, Twitter is just not as useful as it could be. At this point, I follow so many people that if it isn't broken down by categories or groups, I end up with a constant stream of consciousness that does me little good.

Good basic tips for using Twitter to market...I would add that the creativity and usefulness of a tweet can help it break through the blizzard of content that is generated on this platform.

Nice article...I like the kick in the rear factor!

Really solid how-to article...thanks for submitting something that I know others will find really useful!

Great point...we don't think about succession planning until we need it...and then it is way too late.

Blogging has traditionally been a "home base" platform for social media traditionalists. But, with the advent of microblogs (twitter), with attached blogging platforms (twitwall), I think we will have to revisit the issue.

It is great (and essential) for people to embrace social media...just take it one step at a time. And remember, there are social media strategists who can offer help to reduce the amount of wasted time spent adapting ineffective applications and methods.

I completely agree...I try to break up my posts between the two...I love to see what other people are finding on the net...and now that we have TwitWall, we can expand the conversation in another location...

If you want to use Twitter as a traffic builder, sending information out is not sufficient...It doesn't work in the same way a blog or website works. It is an interactive medium...if you only send tweets out, influencers are not likely to follow you. It is important to comment and reach out to people.

I have a couple of posts about twitter on my website, http://www.edgyentrepreneur.com

Kaya, both Twirl and TweetDeck are AIR clients...try downloading AIR here: http://get.adobe.com/air/otherversions/ . I have an HP, so I am a bit out of my league!

Jeff, Go to http://search.twitter.com/ to search for people who are talking about things that might interest you and add them as friends...then talk to them! You can also do a people search in Twitter (look in upper right hand corner), though I think this is a bit more difficult and probably unnecessary...

good luck!

Also, I noticed that some of you struggle with social media and understanding its place in your marketing efforts and customer development strategies...I am a social media strategist and part of my mission is to help companies tie their mission to the most effective social media applications.

I spend a ridiculous amount of time testing out new sites and learning their value (if any). If you are interested, please message me...

Thanks...and don't give up! nearly 40% of my non social media customers (business coaching) come from Twitter!

Was just voted #30 in Top 50 Tweeple to Follow on Twitter...category was "entrepreneur"...how cool is that?

@jeanannvk

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