Many small business owners who also have a position for another company find themselves in rough shape today because of the economy. Small business owners today who fall into this category have to throw it into high gear when If they anticipate or are laid off. Prior to their layoff, many possibly had small businesses that were more of a hobby, selling to friends mainly. Then, when they lose their job they must decide to go for it.

What happens then is that they realize they have no extra money for marketing or advertising. Using the growth of social networking tools, the entrepreneur quickly finds out there are plenty of online marketing tools that allow them to marketing their business with no charge.

They have accounts on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, LinkedIn and a few others. They quickly work them every day or at least every other day. Quickly, they receive a lot of questions about their products. Using social media tools to determine the return on investment (time) of these inquiries, coupon codes can be given out that can be directly linked to the specific social media campaign being used. They are specific for each site so it is knows where the customers are coming from

One popular social media tactic is using Twitter to locate partners for free link exchanges. Twitter is probably one of the best tools for developing personal relationship with prospects and converting them into customers. The cost to your business; Nothing. The benefit of even one new paying customers; Priceless.

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