How can I use facebook to advertise my website without getting banned?

[Opk]

I am trying to promote my website (won't do it here!) and made a facebook account that I used to post on the walls of a couple dozen groups that were about the same video game that my website is about. Facebook banned me for violating the terms of service.
How can I advertise on facebook without getting banned again?

[Katherine]

Hi Opk,

Social media (ie. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc) is a great place to promote yourself or your brand, but you must use it in a way that benefits others. You must form relationships with people before you actually try to sell to them (or ask them to visit your website). So instead of posting your profile on the Facebook groups, join the conversations of the groups first. Listen to what they are talking about, add insightful comments, and then, when the time is appropriate, mention that you have a website that promotes the video game.

Your ultimate goal in social media is to become a "trust agent". I would definitely recommend reading Chris Brogan's blog as well as his book "Trust Agents". It will help give you a better idea of how to use social media to promote your business or brand.

Feel free to check out my brand's Facebook page to get some ideas if you'd like and to watch some clips of Chris Brogan talking about social media.

http://www.facebook.com/Brandtailers

Chris Brogan's blog - http://www.chrisbrogan.com/

Hope that helps!

Katherine Topping
ktopping@brandtailers.com