There are many social-networking sites that can be used to market a business. Twitter might be perceived as just another fad, but taking advantage of its features can boost a business. The following are some ways that Twitter helps multi-level marketers:

1. Marketing products. Many online businesses use Twitter to showcase new products, services, and deals. Since the limit is 140 characters, there is no need to hire a marketing writer to discuss the product. Just develop a catchy teaser that will encourage the reader to go to the website or list contact details.

2. Build a loyal customer base. Twitter exposes companies to new markets since there are groups for almost any interest under the digital sun. Following these conversations and sharing expertise is an excellent way to attract a new target audience. Twitter can be used in lieu of e-mail campaigns, and it allows a company to reach the audience without the hassle of sending out individual e-mails or mailings.

3. Create ties with the upline. Since almost everyone is on Twitter, a company can use its Twitter account to keep in touch with its upline contacts. This means getting feedback, asking advice, and discovering great ideas at easily and immediately.

4. Strengthen your downline. Twitter’s features allow an organization to send quick notes of encouragement and updates to its team, wherever they are. Questions and ideas can be discussed online, whether at home or on the road. All that is needed is to create a short post to get things starting. The beauty of Twitter is that it’s free and easy to set-up. Depending on how deeply involved an organization wants to get, regular marketing on Twitter should not take more than an hour. For optimal results, make sure to add a link from the homepage to the Twitter page, add the link to e-mail signatures, and insert it in the corporate blog as well as on the contact page of other networking sites of which the company is a member.

Many companies think that one of the best ways to get new leads is by purchasing them. However, there are some other ways to obtain new leads without investing a fortune:

1. Contact the business or entrepreneur’s group (e.g., on LinkedIn) in the online community. Join in and participate in their activities and promote the company’s products and services.

2. Participate in small fairs and community events. Find out who will attend in person and who can be reached online. This also helps a company to be visible in the community and to build its brand and business reputation.

3. Offer to teach or talk at the local community college on entrepreneurship. Contact any local interest groups and offer a one-day coaching session on starting a business. Participate in job fairs and online groups and forums.

4. Invest in low-cost advertisements in local newspapers and online ezines. There are quite a lot of people who will take advantage of offers posted in these publications.

5. Share your expertise online. Write articles and publish them on content sites such as e-How.com and ezinearticles.com.

6. Participate in online forums and public bulletin boards. Take the time to ask and answer questions to establish the company as an expert.

7. Create a blog or dedicated website for specific products or services. Promotion can be done via Google Adwords, pay-per-click, and other SEO services.

8. Create and publish professional-looking e-zines and e-mail updates. Send them to the company’s mailing list and those who seem interested through contacts in the website’s forums.

9. Open an account on Twitter, Facebook, and other socia- networking sites.

10. Start a networking site with your downline on ning.com or squidoo.com.

It might seem like a lot of work, but building a corporate network is essential to marketing.