A supportive local community contributes to the survival of small businesses during the economic ups and downs. As a result, businesses continuously seek ways to market to new customers as well as maintain their loyal client base. Businesses discovered long ago the necessity to connect with their community. Many businesses still reach out to the community in a physical way, but in today’s modern age, the modern marketing edge is found with technology.

Recently, I met with a small business owner interested in a website. While waiting, I listened to her and a client discuss the Internet. Neither were comfortable with the Internet, specifically mentioning their avoidance of websites such as Facebook. I listened intently aware of the networking opportunities their businesses were missing by not connecting with the community in a modern manner.

The marketplace is now filled with a generation very comfortable with technology. Many consumers spend a majority of their free-time time surfing the Internet. Businesses excel by connecting with their community in a modern fashion. The current generations as well as future generations frequent the Internet searching for the best deals. The days of teens cruising in cars has been matched by teens and adults alike cruising the Internet together.

How might businesses connect with their community in a modern fashion? Creating an online presence through a website is necessary. In addition to a website, using social media as a means to connect with the community is beneficial. There are so many social media websites one uncomfortable with the Internet may become overwhelmed quickly trying to determine which one to use.

Twitter located at http://twitter.com is a great way to start one’s flight to connect. Sign-up for a free account using your business name and reach out to the community immediately. Once comfortable proceed to open a free Facebook account located at http://facebook.com. Create a business fan page with your account. Mention your Facebook fan page on Twitter and vice versa. Spend time communicating your business and ideas to your community by being active on these accounts. Provide links to your business website and encourage followers to visit often. There is a way to market your business in addition to an open physical door on a town block; the virtual door on a superhighway.