Online social networking has become big in the recent years, and a great avenue for business marketing. But using these sites to market your business may backfire so here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Be clear of your target market

For professional networking, sites like Linkedin.com and Apsense.com are good places to start. These sites have specific groups with specific business natures or interests that might be directly related to your product or service. Sites like Ablewise.com Free Classifieds and Adlandpro.com also have developing “communities” which are great for networking.

2. Setup your profile as soon as possible after joining the site, providing as many details as possible, a photo and a link to your site for maximal credibility.

3. Avoid blatant sales pitches and spamming

Take the “soft sell” approach. Write articles and post them on your blog(s) in these sites to establish your brand and online presence, and to create back-links for your products and services.

4. Keep looking for new avenues

There are currently many social networking sites catering to a variety of interests, topics and natures. Pick a few that are closest in relation to your business.