The Pitfalls of Advertising On MySpace

Many users of MySpace tout the potential for advertising to be one
of the most useful features of this online community. However, there
are quite a few pitfalls to advertising on MySpace. Most importantly
those who advertise on MySpace run the risk of finding themselves in
violation of MySpaces terms of service and facing the consequences
of these infractions. In addition advertising on MySpace can appear
very unprofessional to potential customers. Finally, those who
advertise on MySpace may become guilty of spamming. This article will
take a look at these three advertising pitfalls and provide advice
for avoiding these potential problems.

Violating the Terms of Service on MySpace

One of the most serious potential problems with advertising on
MySpace is violating the terms of service outlined by the
administrators of MySpace. This is significant because members who
are found to be in violation of these terms of service can have their
websites deleted and may be banned from the community. The terms of
service should be reviewed carefully to determine which types of
activities, in relation to advertising, are permitted and which
activities are prohibited. Special attention should be paid to the
section of the terms of services which specifies member websites are
not to be commercial in nature. It might be necessary to contact
MySpace directly for ask for clarification of this section and
additional information on what constitutes a commercial website.

Appearing Unprofessional

Another potential pitfall to advertising on MySpace is appearing
unprofessional. MySpace websites can be created very quickly and
easily through available templates. This may result in some members
becoming overly anxious to start advertising immediately. When this
happens the members may be sloppy in their design and may create a
website with many errors which does not present a professional
appearance.

Additionally, MySpace is a rather relaxed community where members
often use slang or abbreviations haphazard. This practice can also
create an unprofessional appearance which may alienate some potential
clients. Also, MySpace members must consider the comments left for
them by other members of the community. The individual who maintains
the website should understand the comments left for them are
considered by others to be a reflection of them. Therefore those who
do not think highly of the comments left on your website are not
likely to think highly of you or your business either. For this
reason care should be taken to maintain a lee of control over the
comments left for you. This can be done either by not allowing
comments at all or by only allowing comments that receive your
approval to appear on your website.

Engaging in Spamming techniques

One of the most dangerous pitfalls those who advertise on MySpace
might encounter is spamming. Before advertising care should be taken
to review MySpaces policy on spam to ensure the advertising
techniques you are using are not considered to be spam by MySpace.
This is important because those who are found guilty of spamming may
have their account and website deleted. They may even be banned from
creating a new account in the future.

Also, potential customers are not likely to think highly of a
business that they view as engaging in spamming techniques. These
customers are likely to purchase products and services from other
providers who they believe run a more honest marketing campaign.
Spamming can therefore be a very costly mistake for business owners.