More and more small businesses are discovering the power of incorporating social networking into their online marketing strategies. Still, I am witnessing a plethora of mistakes in this regard.

First, professionalism. Small businesses often find the ease of creating a MySpace profile or Squidoo lens etc, and in taking on this endeavor, fail to incorporate all of the available tools available in the designing process. This causes sites to be one of two things, too flat or too busy! Not to mention that they are often lacking pertinent information, and so on. Just as with a website, the design of your profile is important as it is a direct reflection of your company.

Second, not taking measures to gain traffic. You must be active in pursuit of your network. This network is as valuable as an email list, in that these people who have considered you enough to approve you as their friend or to seek out your information, ARE a list of potential customers. Never settle simply for those who find you. And always be sure that you are directing them to your products and/or services. Chances are, that’s what they’re there for, and it is what your online marketing strategy is there for.

Finally, set yourself apart from the rest and ensure that you are offering valuable information. You have already found a place which produces targeted leads and traffic. Do not abuse this! Many individuals abuse these networks by over soliciting and deceiving. On any online medium, you have the capability of offering legitimate information and services geared to serve the needs of your customers. This is one important key in the essence of sound business strategy. Learning how to effectively utilize social networking can contribute in leaps and bounds to the success of your company.