You may already be familiar with the fact that Facebook is no longer just for connecting with friends and family, but did you know that it can provide dramatic benefits to a small business that are seeking to engage with their target market online.

For many small businesses in this difficult economy, it can be tough to spend enough money to create a successful advertising campaign. In fact, with the large number of new startup websites online, you have to be a savvy Internet marketer in order to get noticed whatsoever. Luckily, social media provides a free advertising venue for your small business, and when used correctly, it can help to level the playing field between your small company and a larger corporation.

If you’re a regular Facebook user, chances are you’ve seen eye-catching status updates and “likes” from a friend.  You might find that he or she has “liked” something such as OMG! Look at What Justin Bieber Just Did…Captured on Video! or Guys: 10 Surefire Ways to Make Women Addicted to You!  Intrigued, you click the link, only to find that it takes too much investment or risks your privacy.  You must click the Like button, add an application, take a survey, notify other friends, or complete some other time-wasting, risky task in order to see the compelling video, picture, or article that was promised.