Social media is a hot topic these days. People are spending time "tweeting", updating their blogs and meeting on Facebook. They are using these methods as a way to keep in touch with friends and family, as well as make business contacts for the present and future. If you're not familiar with social media or networking, this quick-start guide to social media will help you learn what it is and how it can benefit your business.

Social media is how people can share information online. There are many different platforms and formats you can use to add social media to their online marketing strategies. Online social media or social networking websites are similar in a way to traditional communities. They give people a place to come together to discuss common topics, or search for particular goods and services.

Social media can be as simple as instant messages or something as complex such as creating a squeeze page within a blog. All of these methods can be used to help you market the goods or services you have to offer.