People, to my dismay, are not mind readers. That being said, if you don't tell, show, sing, or ask people to find you on your favorite social media platforms-- they won't. Here are 6 easy ways to show off your social and increase your social media traffic.

1.) Your Email Signature,

You know that target market you're always looking for to join you online? You probably just sent them an email and they have no idea you are social.

Sincerely, Another Missed Opportunity

Did somebody say opportunity? Yes! Just thinking about how many e-mails you and your employees send out a day should be enough to get you giddy inside. For a simple explanation of how to and pictures, here is a link to help you upgrade your signature.

Food for thought. Erica Lamberta, an amazing marketing professional at Virginia Commonwealth Univerisity, suggests in addition to adding the links to your signature also encouraging your pen pal to join you on your social network. Before your signature, list the benefits of joining your group and ask them to join. For example,"For more interesting articles about how social media can help your business and updates about ACO, join us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com./addisonclarkonline."

2.) Business Cards

Move over watermark, social media icons are the new hottest thing to put on your business card. If you don't have it on your business card already and are not planning on getting more soon, that's okay. Place a sticker on the back of your card asking your new friends to join your social platforms. Did somebody say creative opportunity? How fun! Give your friends more to look at than a picture of social media icon. Write something funny or persuasive as to why they should join your social scene.

3.) Signs in Store

Let your customers know you're online and want to be a part of their life! Little signs by the register and hanging in your window are perfect places for you to show off your social.

4.) On your Website!

Displaying social media icons on your website is like adding milk to your cereal. It's all part of a well balanced social media campaign! This is the most popular way to get the word out and allow your fans to stay connected.

5.) Get the word out in your Newsletters.

If your company sends out a newsletter, list your social networks there too. Newsletters are great for introducing your social networks. Explain how these networks will benefit your customers and ask them to join.

6.) Just talk about it.

Easy. People make stronger connections in person which will lead to more action. Break into conversation by mentioning an interesting article you posted that you think they might find interesting. An approach like this will help offer a compelling reason as to why they should visit your social networks.

We want your ideas for how to increase social media traffic too! Please add yours below and tell us your thoughts :)

You finally made a page for you business on Facebook and Twitter. Now what?

Here are some tips to help you get started...

1. People like talking to people not computers, so relax and be yourself.

Think of some of your best business relationships. What make them so great? Chances are you have something else in common with them besides business (e.g. your children go to the same school, they're a Cubs fan too). Getting to know your customers and allowing them to get to know you will strengthen your relationships with them.

2. Engage them!

You can talk about your business and other things that people can relate to as well. The key is to engage your customers to talk to you. For example, John owns a bike shop and he posts, "Just put new tires on and they feel great!" His fans might read this and think about if they need new tires or ask John what kind of tires he recommends. For starters, try asking your customers a question or talking about hot topics in your industry to engage them.

3. Give them information.

Social media gives you the opportunity to keep your customers updated about what's new with you and your advice. You are now a resource to them. Bring value to your company's social media sites by providing your customers with insights about your company and your industry. Breaking news they should know about? Let them know, they'll thank you for it!

4. It's not a sales pitch.

Postings on Facebook and Twitter are like a stream of casual conversations. If you post a huge advertisement in the middle of these conversations, your post might be deemed as just another annoying advertisement. Let's be honest though, we do want to increase our sales and that's why we're doing social media... right? Well consider this, a recent study found that 78% of people will take a friend's recommendation while only 14% of people would trust an advertisement.

5. Start connecting and create awareness.

Tell your friends and customers about your new Facebook and Twitter pages and ask them to join! Once they join, other people in their network will become aware of your business's page too. The more people the merrier, so spread the word!