Social network marketing is an online marketing strategy that has taken the internet by storm for not only its effectiveness but its ease as well. Done correctly, online social networking can attract a significant amount of traffic to any business site you choose. However many in their rush to generate this traffic, overlook the necessary 'social graces' required to be accepted at these sites. The end result is a lot of wasted effort and adding insult to injury, few friends are even gained from the experience.

If you are interested in using online social networks to make new friends while also boosting your business traffic, here are 5 practices to avoid!

Promoting TOO Much

Remember that online social networks are there for people to 'socialize' and not to be sold. With that said you will need to focus your initial efforts on developing relationships at these sites. If you go 'swaggering' into these sites promoting like a gunslinger you will likely be 'shot down' yourself.

Listening TOO Much

It is meant to be interactive and besides how are you to get noticed by being a 'wall flower' all the time? Pick out a conversation that you are comfortable with or interested in and start contributing to it. This is a great way to make 'introductions' and capture the attention of others.

Over Extending Yourself

This online marketing strategy is very effective but it can take some time to develop comfortable relationships with others. Plan on this and only try to work a few locations first in order to be most effective. As your time allows you can then increase the number of social communities you are working.

Lacking Subtly and Tact

Join in on conversations but do not try to force your opinions since this is no way to fit in and be accepted. You want to make good impressions and develop favorable opinions about yourself and being obnoxious is not the way to do it.

Losing Patience

Do not expect overnight results since this will lead to frustration and you 'throwing in the towel' prematurely and wasting all the efforts and time already invested. The best suggestion is to simply relax and focus on making new friends. That is not so bad is it?

Social network marketing can be a great source of online traffic to your business if you conduct yourself properly while 'working' on these sites. The fact of the matter is that this online marketing strategy hold tremendous traffic potential, but only if you 'participate' in an accepted manner. Online social networking is 'centered' in socializing with other sites members. To overlook certain basics socialization skills will result in you being overlooked and disregarded by site members, therefore remember it is all about 'connecting' first! The 5 practices you will definitely want to avoid when using any of the online social networks are reviewed above. By avoiding these social 'hiccups' and taking the time to build relationships/friendships with others, you stand a much better chance of gaining both new traffic and friends!