When you receive comments on your blog, forums or social media venues do you respond promptly online and then drop the writer a personal note via e-mail to let them know you have publically responded?

This really opens the 2-way conversation which is what social media is all about.  It takes two to have a relationship and your engagement will determine your success in online social media marketing. 

If you’ve scored an online book, product, or presentation review… interact, promptly. Stop by and express your thoughts and sincere appreciation to the journalist, producer, or enthusiastic poster for taking the time to write.   Booked for a speaking event? The same applies; visit the site to express your excitement for the upcoming event. 

Imagine this scenario, you wrote a blog that included  a note about Donald Trump’s latest book and he stopped by YOUR blog and left YOU a note?  More than likely, you’ve just become a lifelong fan who raves about his latest read to your entire network.

That’s precisely what you are doing when you engage in every opportunity for online relationships. Interacting in a hyper social online environment is also a vastly important piece to your own online public relations and will provide exponential possibilities for viral buzz and exposure.

Once you’ve exhibited your manners by interacting promptly, take the time to share the writers review or thoughts through your own social media venues or website. You can do this by selecting the “share” button that nearly all websites provide today.   Let your network know about the interaction, interview, or review.

No matter where you share, take 5 minutes to grab your online megaphone and give the person your generous attention. You’ll find others much more likely to interact with you by practicing this easy social engagement recipe for success repeatedly and without fail.

In case you need one more reason to mind your social media manners, remember, before the media engages with you, they’ll hit the search engines. Do you want them to find a gracious and generous guest that interacts with their audience and is likely to share their work? Or, a phantom?

As I was writing a Facebook Custom Page Tutorial, I stumbled across an excellent blog that covers the process. Step-by-step. No need for me to re-invent the wheel.

Enjoy! And if you need help, drop me a line.

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-customize-your-facebook-page-using-static-fbml/

Once you walk through the process, send me a link to your page, I’d love to see it.

Here are 3 simplified steps for securing your domain (URL) and web hosting (website storage) accounts.

1. Free online tool to research available domain names and spin ideas: http://www.domainsbot.com/ 

2. Purchase domain (URL) at GoDaddy.com

Godaddy is an inexpensive and reputable business for your domain purchases. Perfect in fact. Domain registrars are not the place to host your website or purchase additional features. I know it seems tempting to put all of your eggs in one basket but this really isn’t the easiest or right solution. I also never recommend hosting your website on your webmasters account.

3. My Top Pick for Web Hosting: Purchase web hosting from BlueHost

If you need in-depth help with any of these steps or providers feel free to contact me.  I’d love to hear from you.

-Laura

Simple, reliable, inexpensive and my recommended web hosting provider for any website is BlueHost.

BlueHost has all of the powerful tools that allow easy implementation of a WordPress content management system plus everything you’ll need to establish a strong online presence or quickly move established website(s). The most reputable and affordable web hosting solution on the net. 



Online registration starts today. View the conference brochure by visiting the link below.

http://www.willamettewriters.com/pdf/BrochureWebFnl.pdf

Reserve your spot with agents and publishers now!

From the brochure:

August 7 – 9, 2009

Pre-conference Activities 5 – 9 P.M. Thursday, August 6

Sheraton Airport Hotel

Portland, Oregon

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”

~ George Eliot