Build your social presence AND your SEO — at the same time!

Social media strategies are definitely the hottest thing going right now in the Internet marketing world — partly because many people are spending a lot of their spare time “socializing” online, and partly because many online (and offline!) businesses are seeing positive results from reaching out to their market through social media sites and tools.

If you’re just starting out with building your own online business, or you’re a lone entrepreneur with an established Internet business, it may seem like an overwhelming prospect to get involved with social media.

Where will you find the time? How will you get started?

Well, we’re going to suggest a simple and foolproof way to get started with social media that doesn’t require you to know a ton about social strategies — all you need to know is your business!

Start a blog on your website (most website hosts offer a WordPress plugin that makes it easy to get the ball rolling) where you post information and thoughts about your industry, and then set up profiles on Facebook and Twitter to link back to your posts and ideas.

The posts don’t need to be super-long or detailed, either — you can do a simple “how to”, or offer an opinion on a big development in your industry, or even share a quick story about how you solved a problem for a customer with your product.

But remember — ONLY post information — no pitches.

Then, once you’ve built up some content and some inbound links from social sites, start joining groups on these sites related to your industry, and “friending” and following people who are in the groups.

But again, don’t pitch them. Just take part in the groups by providing great information, and let people click through to check out your blog and your website on your own.

And they will.

That’s right: even though you’re not pitching, people will seek out your business ANYWAY, once they’ve connected with you at social sites.

In fact, the lack of pitch leaves them feeling at ease, and sets up a solid foundation of trust between you and your potential customers.

If your fellow members are intrigued by what you have to say, they’re much more likely to come check you out… especially if they aren’t pushed or cajoled to go there.

And on top of all this great relationship building, you’ll see a definite boost in the search engines because of all the freshly updated content you’re posting on your site, and the quality inbound social links.

Two big wins for a single strategy!

Remember: on the Web, your credibility is your calling card, since none of the business that is done goes on face to face. It may seem like a waste of time to give out free information and ideas — but a great reputation is priceless in Internet marketing!