I was very "Anti" social networking, I was wrong.

Social networks, Oh Do they really ?

When it comes to social networking I used to be somewhat of an anti social grumpy old man. Facebook used to be something my oldest daughter did every hour she wasn't in school and probably quite a few hours she was in school. You tube used to be a viral website that friends and family used to bore me to death with by insisting that I must come see a fat Chinese kid singing and dancing to whams Wake me up before you go-go. Despite what they said I never did wet myself laughing. I did however manage a polite fake smile and back it up with something like "oh them crazy Chinese kids ay, what are they like?" as I walked away wondering if my apathy had gone unnoticed, I hoped not. Twitter was just another annoyance sent to test my patience. I was even known to go blue in the face while having rants about twitter and all the pretentious Celebs who think they all the world is sat with their laptops waiting to find out what they had on their toast. Do we really need to know what socks Stephen fry would be wearing on any given day. That was a few years back now and I have to admit, I was wrong. From going to someone who used to think anyone who used these sites had way too much time on their hands to someone who uses every one of the above site to their full potential. All the above now play a major role in the promotion of any of my sites. Take it from a former skeptic, Social networking works. If anyone tells you different they hey have probably never bothered with this form of self promotion or just didn't do it right.

Anyone who tells you social networking is not worth bothering with should take note to this milestone.

According to data released today from Hitwise, Facebook managed to beat Google in terms of visits between March 7th and March 13th, becoming the most visited website in the U.S. for the week.

For me google will always be the most important part of my seo but only a fool would ignor the monumental rise of facebook, twitter and other social network sites.

It is however quite easy for some to be seduced by such facts and throw their all efforts into facebook. Just remember while facebook is popular and worth taking notice of it is also a social networking site and the clue is in the name "social" most who use facebook are not there to discover new products or be introduced to your business infact many use it as an escape from the business side of the internet and are just looking for 5 mins chill time. Any in your face introductions are an annoyance and most who join fans pages of business's are usualy others just like you who are on facebook for no other reason than to get their business in front of as many eyes as they can.

My advice keep social networks just that "social" . My rule of thumb is If whatever I do be it a facebook group or fanpage or a twitter page do it for the benifit of the reader. Give them hints and tips on your given field or interesting developments within the industry rather than just showcasing your latest  products or offer. You and I know your just trying to advertise your service or products but its easy to disguise the fact with interesting info. Think Product placement in a TV show.

Just remember Keep if you are going hit the social networks be sure to keep your network social.