social networking 101: Top 5 ways to attract more followers on social networking outlets

Social networking can seem overwhelming to some of us, especially when we are looking at an empty Facebook page with no friends or a Twitter page with no followers. Building a following takes time, but if we take some basic steps, we will see our social networking expand faster than one might think. Here are our top 5 ways to attract more followers.

1. Put your social media buttons and links on your website, blogs and all other web-based pages.
   Make sure that your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or whatever social networks you have are clearly placed on all of your web pages with links to your social networking pages.
2. Add your social media links at the end of your emails, electronic newsletters and all electronic media.
   Place a note on all of your electronic correspondence and invite people to “follow” you on Twitter or become a “fan” on Facebook.
3. Use your social media to grow your followers.
   For example, invite people to follow you on Twitter by posting a message on your Facebook page and vice versa. On LinkedIn, make sure you add all of your social networks and links to your profile page.
4. Place your social media networks on your print materials.
   Add your social media to your business cards, post cards, newsletters or any form of direct mail material. Every time someone sees your social network, it reinforces them to join you.
5. Write blogs and articles with valuable content that encourages people to respond or to share with others.
   Social media is all about engaging with others and sharing information. If you communicate consistently with your followers, they will share you with others and your social networks will grow.

Attracting followers takes some time and effort but if you apply these basic steps listed above, you will naturally develop a larger following. Most of these tips involve setting up some routines and practices to let people know how to connect with you. Once these steps are taken, the rest is fairly easy: just start posting.

About the Authors:
Tonilee Adamson and Bobbye Brooks are co-owners of Media 4 Women Enterprises, a marketing and media company that helps people achieve entrepreneurial success. From website design, video production, book publishing and social media marketing, Tonilee and Bobbye work with individuals and businesses of every type. Visit www.media4women.com to learn more about their services.