Social networking sites allow users to build online profiles, share information, music, videos, and pictures. These sites have become a part of our daily routine as we check Twitter and Facebook to keep up-to-date and connected.

As entrepreneurs and small business owners work to attract more business, social networking sites have become an extremely popular tool for engaging existing customers and reaching out to new ones.

Here are the 8 social networking sites that you should check out:

1. LinkedIn is a business-oriented social networking site geared  towards companies and industry professionals looking to make new business contacts or keep in touch with revious co-workers, affiliates, and clients.

Read more » Ten Ways for Small Businesses to Use LinkedIn from Guy Kawasaki

2. Facebook Pages have become a way to connect businesses with their supporters and allows fans to show their support with friends. Facebook Pages build brand awareness, increase engagement, and helps generate new leads.

Read more » How to Build a Facebook Landing Page for Your Business

3. Twitter is the social networking site for sharing information, links, and engaging with clients in 140 characters or less. It’s faster paced than Facebook Pages and requires a bit more time.

Read more » Twitter Tutorial or watch the Twitter Tutorial via YouTube

4.Ning is an online platform for people to create their own social networking groups. Small businesses can use them to meet, network and engage with potential customers or simply to arrange events. See examples: Black Business Women Online and Barista Exchange

Read more »Using Ning To Create A World For Your SMB

5. Partner Up is an online networking community that entrepreneurs and small business owners use to find the expertise and resources they need to start and grow a business. Members can connect with potential partners, advisers, and business resources.

6. Yelp is a local business review and discussion networking site, featuring user reviews and recommendations, the ability to add friends, groups, events, talk in forums or message contacts.

Read more » Yelp’s Business Owner’s Guide

7. Foursquare is a location-based social networking website, software for mobile devices. Users “check-in” at venues using a mobile website, text messaging or a device-specific application. They are then awarded points and sometimes “badges.”

Read more » 7 Reasons Why Small Businesses Should Take a Look at Foursquare

8. YouTube is most likely the site you watched that hilarious video shared by friends and family, but you can also use it to promote your business.

Read more » Top 10 YouTube Tips for Small Businesses