ForumsAdvertising, Sales and Marketing

Its no doubt tough! And time consuming for that matter. Especially if you business is not specifically marketable on myspace. I run a Website that promotes local music for free. Its a website where they can post flyers for all to see and get people to their gigs and such. As inviting as that should sound to a small band who is looking for free advertising its difficult to get anyone to take a look at your site. Spammers have over run and desensitized most people to checking out any site. Not to mention that Myspace makes it difficult to send communications to other members for the same reason. the force you to solve an overly complicated (im my opinion) Captcha to send any message to anyone. then on top of that if anyone reports you as a spammer, which is likely. MySpace will at the drop of a hat delete your account. So I would say be careful and conservative when thinking about using MySpace as a marketing tool.

However if you are looking to do it I am dabbling in designing MySpace profiles. Take a look at my personal page and let me know what you think.

www.myspace.com/allaboutgq

Oh and if you want to check out my site its www.CatchaClue.net

Thanks again
Matt

Creating a MySpace or Facebook page for your site would be okay for leisure. Don't expect too much in the form of bringing in sales. Remember, it's a social network. If your business cannot offer something for the masses to recieve (i.e. electronic downloads, pics, emoticons, etc.), then there really isn't much worth going to your page. Now, if you create a Group on MySpace specifically geared to an audience in your area, then you might generate a few customers. But still keep in mind - what will your group's purpose be? Why would people join your group?

Essentially, I don't think marketing on MySpace or Facebook for your specific business will be beneficial. You should target your local market and see about other avenues (i.e. sponsor a high game, host a "Social", etc.) of marketing.

JV Cruz

I had the same question and came across this in my research http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080605122641AA9nLBF . There are some insightful responses in the post. Hope it helps, good luck!

Both can be a very valuable tool. you need to build your page and brand it as much as you can with he tools you have in place. You can purchase a friend adder if you like but risk the chance of getting locked. I would friend key people and offer special deals for MySpace and Facebook friends only. When you incentivize it, you have added value. This is a slow growth opportunity, nothing that happens over night.

We have seen some great campaigns with MS and FB, you need to have the brand loyalty in place though.

Antony

I use myspace to put the word out and to inform my network of friends and family of upcoming events. use a link to your business website, so you do not have to keep checking myspace for any FAQ. I use links on myspace to my main website so the brouser can really see what is going on with my business and secure their business.

CPulimited,

Thank you. Feel free to adapt and use them for your business as you see fit.

Make sure you get plugged into the church circuit if you already haven't. In some communities the church is the center of a lot of activities, it could lead to wedding and family reunion referrals.

Maybe team up with the city to be one of the suppliers for the local festivals or even sponsor an arts or food festival where you are the exclusive supplier of equipment. It can be small at first but over time it could become huge.

Just a couple of ideas I had when I read your profile.

Iwrite