Facebook and Twitter are just two social sites that have taken on a whole new role when it comes to how the internet is used today.
Because of this, customer behaviour has changed.
No longer does the average internet user turn to the search engines as their main source of product research.
Today's internet surfer is much more socially connected online.
When they need to know something, they will ask the friends and followers in their Facebook or Twitter account for information or recommendations.
For many, they will spend probably 90% of their time online within these sites and internet communities and only venture out when they cannot find what they are looking for within their tight little group.
As a business owner, this means if you are not within the inner circle of these people, they will never find you.
Is your small business site connected to the social sites? Here are a few tips that will help you get your site noticed in social communities.

1. If you do not already have accounts within these communities, join now.
   Facebook and Twitter are the two biggies for connecting with individuals.
   If you have a B2B service, you will also want to have an account at LinkedIn.
   
2. Display your social IDs prominently on the front page of your website.
   Visitors want to know that you are connected and up-to-date on the latest trends.
   If they like your products or services, they will add you to their following list.
   
3. Spend some time (and money if necessary) on your social profiles within these sites.
   Make them represent your business and brand.
   
4. Set up a Facebook Fan Page for your business.
   This page can be as important as your main site since people do tend to spend so much time within their self-made community niches on social sites, if you make it easier for them to find out about you and your business without having to leave the site they will be more likely to visit it.
   
5. This tip is important to get you started.
   Tell your offline customers that you are on these sites and invite them to follow you.
   Offer them a discount or coupon for connecting to you.
   Do whatever it takes to have them add you to their friends and followers list.
   

As a small business owner, you must remember that for every 1 customer you get added to your social networking account, you have the potential of reaching thousands of like-minded individuals.
The efforts you take to grow your following with targeted, buying customers will be time well spent.