Facebook is the most popular social networking site that allows you to connect with not only friends, but build a virtual community. Businesses use Facebook as an avenue of indirect advertisement by creating business pages and sharing information with their fan base.

• Facebook has more than 500 million active users
• Search feature allows other users to locate businesses and services
• Customers can write reviews and generate public relations opportunities
• Users share photos, blogs, videos, events, and status updates
• Ability to add custom tabs

Twitter is a real-time text messaging social networking tool. Each text message is limited to 140 characters but can include links. Some refer to it as a micro-blogging tool.

Professionals have found Twitter allows them to:

• Quickly become familiar with events affecting their industry by following respected sources
• Network with other professionals within, or closely integrated with, their industry
• Stay up to date on industry trends
• Answer questions quickly and respond to complaints transparently

There are many definitions of a blog. Essentially, in a few short words a blog is an online journal. One person can be the sole contributor or multiple people can contribute. And, yes, businesses have blogs. It is a way to share knowledge and expertise. While a business blog is generally professional in nature, it can be at times light-hearted with a personal touch.

You have to be committed to starting a blog and keeping it current. That commitment though can pay off by increasing visitor traffic when you engage an audience.

LinkedIn is a business-oriented social networking site. Companies as a whole can create a company profile. Individual users are able to build and maintain professional relationships. Some of the ways a user can leverage this site include:

• Establish and grow a network of direct connections
• Identify key contacts
• Locate new opportunities and find candidates
• Search for and join groups of professional interest to share advice
• Create your own group with a theme related to your industry
• Help answer questions on the Answers section of LinkedIn and become a trusted resource

YouTube is a video based social networking site. Users can upload and share videos. There are few limitations on content. Businesses leverage YouTube by:

• Uploading commercials, movies, and vignettes on their company or industry
• Sharing links to the YouTube video through various social media outlets