Do you spend much time on social media websites? If you do, you are already aware of how many businesses have a strong presence there. Anyone who logs in can see side bar advertising and countless fan pages that you and your friends can easily choose to follow. Have you wondered why this is so popular for small businesses today? Consider how many people use these websites for social interaction several times a day. For example, how many of your existing customers are on facebook right this minute?

Did you realize that these sites offer free advertising, with only a little effort on your part? You could create banner ads, but there is a much easier way to generate business using these outlets. If you as a small business owner create a page for your business and send links to existing customers and friends to "like", you get immediate exposure to all of the friends of the people who "liked" your page. Any of those friends who are interested in your product can quickly check out your page and "like" it, and probably become customers themselves sooner or later. As with any business website or blog, be sure to include good-quality photos of your products.

Having a facebook or twitter account also gives you a quick and easy way to interact with global customers. You can start discussions and ask for feedback and hear what your customers think, and learn where you might need to improve. Many small businesses also offer contests to attract new followers. This can be a great way to get your product in the hands of customers, thus encouraging future business.

One huge appeal to getting your business onto facebook or twitter is that they are completely free. Anything you do on these sites is free advertising and shows the world what your business offers.