I don’t know about you, but I resisted setting up a profile on Facebook for the longest time. I mean, who has time for such frivolous activities?

Not to mention, I had tried setting up a page for Wordfeeder.com on Myspace - but I found that something was decidedly missing. “Thanks for the add! Thanks for the add!” (Okay, now what?)

I finally caved in and started using Facebook about a month ago. And I must confess, the mere act of “getting back in touch” with people has resulted in a few copywriting gigs that may not have materialized otherwise.

Facebook IS different than Myspace. The best way for you to find out how different, is obviously to stop reading this and start using it. But in case you need more convincing, let me share with you some things you can do to promote interest in YOU and what you do.

1. Use the “personal profile” space to your advantage.

You have two opportunities to talk about your expertise or craft and business in the personal profile. You can do it in the top section, which may be preferable because people are still likely to be reading… and/or, you can do it in the area beneath, where you’re given space to talk about your work.

I like to use my space to point out the reasons why being a copywriter brings me so much joy (meeting and helping brilliant, enterprising people from all over the world). I also make sure that the copy is “other people-oriented.” It’s much better to explain how you might be able to help someone else, than to simply run through your list of degrees, credentials, and careers.

2. Turn the “photos” section into a creative portfolio.

I get a kick out of the photos section; in fact, my weakness is looking at other people’s photos and learning about their lives. I love that I get to see a web designer friend of mine tubing on the river with his weekend buddies; I love that one of the big PR moguls has a dog that pesters her to play ball with him while she’s trying to get work done. But I’ve also found myself giving an enthusiastic “two thumbs up” when my friends in advertising publish their creations right there in the photo area.

If you’ve written a book, snap a digital photo of the cover, get it up there and tell people about it. If you’re a designer, upload images of your best work. Had professional photos taken for your website, or for publicity purposes? Create an album where those can live as well.

3. Take care with what you share.

Facebook can be used for professional networking, hanging with friends, dating, or all of the above. But I would suggest that if you’re going to combine 2 or more of those functions, do it with care. For example, if you’re running a “hybrid” profile like I currently am in 2008, you’ll be blending personal friends with professional acquaintances. That means your work people will have the opportunity to see who you hang with on weekends. You may want to “watch your language,” as well as be selective about which photos you’re publishing (no one needs to see the photo evidence of you “getting your freak on” at the club last Friday night). You may also be more selective in “who gets to see” what’s happening on your page. That random guy who drifted over to your website for the first time last week is not really your “friend” - maybe it’s a good idea to NOT share everything about your life with him until you’re certain he’s a true amigo?

If this bothers you, create two different profiles - one where you can “befriend” every MLM, real estate agent, and coach who comes your way… and the other for ONLY those people who you know and trust completely. This way, you can keep your networking life separate from your private life and not have to worry about people knowing things about you that you’d sooner keep under wraps.

4. Let the “status line” be your virtual sandwich board.

Right now, my favorite feature on Facebook is the status line. You can pretty much publish whatever you want people to know about you. I’ve found that a simple line like “Dina is writing copy for a law firm in California” is a great way to gently remind folks of what I’m all about and how I might be able to help them.

Of course, you don’t need to broadcast EVERY job you’re working on, because that will eventually bore people. You can use the status line to share a link, ask a question, express your enthusiasm about something, or share your plans for the weekend. And don’t forget that if you’re running a new marketing program, such as a teleclass or webinar, your “status line” is the perfect place to advertise that.

5. Take advantage of the “business applications.”

Facebook lets you download “applications” that enhance your user experience. There are tons of little mini programs to download that will let you “take a personality quiz,” play games that challenge the mind, share which books you’re reading, or even engage in silly antics like “throwing sheep” at your friends.

If you’re planning on using Facebook to strengthen your professional relationships, then I would recommend keeping the “application antics” to a minimum. For example, if you’ve got tons of friends who are “throwing sheep,” sending you virtual margaritas and baby animals, inviting you to “find out if our movie taste is compatible” and so forth, you may want to rethink your approach. Lots of people appreciate this kind of whimsy, but it can be really time consuming to spend your days accepting lattes, crystals and puppies as “gifts” from your virtual friends.

Better to focus on the business applications that are available on Facebook. For example, I came across an application that takes a “snapshot” of your website. So, when you add the link, a thumbnail of your website’s home page appears right there on your Facebook profile and encourages people to take a look at whatever you’ve got going on. You can also use the “marketplace” to buy and sell books, computer equipment and other items, search for jobs or advertise that you’re looking to hire for a particular position, and so forth. NOTE: the “Marketplace” area restricts the marketing of your business website and services, which is a big thumbs down in my book, but I believe the reason is that this would compete with their paid advertising program.

7. “E-Market” yourself.

There are at least two ways that I’ve seen people promoting their businesses on Facebook. One, you can use the “invitation” feature to encourage people on your list to sign up for whatever events you’re running. Two, you can host groups that help position you as an authority in your field. Even if some people on your list never sign up to participate, you’re still making it clear what it is that you do and how you can help others.

For example, there is a woman on my list who runs a group dedicated to creating information products. While I have never attended one of her meetings, I know that come the day one of my clients wants to write an ebook or create an audio program, she’ll be the first person I think of. Same goes for the blogging expert who constantly invites me to “blogging seminars,” and the life coach who runs inspirational teleclasses.

The best thing that I like about Facebook is that I can get a fresh look at some of the “old faces” I’ve come to know around the web in the last five years. I enjoy learning that they’re avid knitters, or nature buffs, or that they visited Cancun last fall, or that their kids play soccer. After a while, you really get weary of being constantly “pitched to” via email, and Facebook is a welcome relief from that - a reason to remember that “hey… we’re all just humans, seeking happiness, sharing the best of ourselves, learning, growing, and experiencing life to the fullest.”

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Email Dina@Wordfeeder.com for a copywriting or website marketing quote today.

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