If the buzzword of the last decade was SEO, than the buzzword of this decade, at least for now, is SMO or social media optimization. As we embark on a new year and a new decade, the future of doing business online isn’t going to be how many hits a business’s website logged, but how many connections, friends and fans they have on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Developing a social media optimization plan is a key strategy to securing new business in 2010. The best way to implement a plan is for a business to prioritize which audience it would like to reach and decide which social sites will best reach that target audience.

Before delving into a social networking plan, it is best for businesses to test the waters to see which social media site works best for them. Since most small business owners don’t have the time necessary to invest in a good social networking strategy on their own, we suggest consulting with a firm that has experience in promoting businesses through social networking.

Gaining authority through social networking doesn’t happen overnight and businesses must be patient and allow their networks to grow.

We work with our clients over time to help them become friends with and follow people who would be interested in their products or services. When it comes to social networking, patience is key, and once a business implements a solid social networking plan, it will acquire more clients in no time.

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