Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

Ideal VA · #1 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009

I have a question that pertains to sites that most of us belong to.... myspace, facebook, biznik, linkedin etc etc... should you include these profiles on your business website? Should they only pertain to the business or can they be your personal site that you share with your friends and family and don't really network on it. Just looking for opinions/advice.

virtual writing · #2 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009

Dekota - There's a lot of discussion about how to blend your personal social networking with your business social media marketing. For some, though, it's not so much of a problem, because they tend to blend personal and business activities anyway. Certainly include on your website only those networks where you think your image is well-presented and 'clean' enough for business. But mixing in some personal news along with biz updates is a great idea, in general.

Essential Office Solutions · #3 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009

Dekota;

I have my link buttons on my site for my business sites - I have to admit that only myspace and facebook do I have personal profiles/pages. On myspace they are totally separate which I really like best. Facebook my link is to my fan page which due to it's set up is linked to my personal page.

I try to have all my profile/pages as professional as possible but cannot control those who are my fans/friends.

Because I had the buttons on my site - I was able to get a job from it as the customer saw them and wanted the same on their site!

Bernice · #4 (**permalink**) 09-08-2009

I have a personal Myspace page, and personal Facebook page, but when I created my twitter account I made it more business/professional. I use Facebook to to keep in touch with family (younger ones) members but really haven't been on myspace in a while. Right now I don't have links on my site, still trying to get to a comfort level in Social Networking. Don't worry Mary, I' be there soon.

Tess · #5 (**permalink**) 09-08-2009

I think I'm in the minority here but I firmly believe that the plethora of badges and buttons from social networking sites, affiliations, clubs, forums, and whatnot belong mainly on a blog, on a Contact page and/or About page but not on every page of a professional business site.

My general rule is: if it doesn't serve your clients or potential clients in some way it's not to be included. I have seen so many 'professional' websites with links and badges all over the place and I think it can be very distracting. Try to look at your site from the client's or PC's perspective and include what you think they would want to see, or would relate to.

With all of that in mind, I would never recommend including a strictly personal profile on a business site - I do agree with Mary that there is absolutely room for some of your personal life to pop up in your professional profiles, you're human after all, and people LIKE to know that you have a personality. But I think there has to be a line drawn somewhere.

leedrozak · #6 (**permalink**) 09-08-2009

I have my badges on my About page and small links in my header to the three that are my professional social networking sites. Do they serve a purpose? I am not sure but it allows potential clients to find more about me and my business through these avenues.

I do allow clients to friend me on Facebook but I advertise my fan page. I am mindful of what I post there but it gives them a chance to know me a little more personally.