Small businesses starting out (and even existing businesses that need to modernize) are constantly seeking ways to be agile, nimble, and quick to pounce on ways to reach potential new customers. When controlling the message and directing the conversation about particular brands and products, it's important for small business owners to research and be savvy about all available tools.

Today's consumers are much more hyper-aware and hyper-connected - bad reviews spread quicker than positive word-of-mouth referrals - so keep the properties that you do have -- website, blog, and social media pages -- up-to-date and filled with pertinent information.

The three most common social media marketing tools for business are Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus.

For Facebook

Create Facebook business page, a Facebook developer application key, or a new FB group by setting up your initial personal Facebook account. A Facebook personal account requires a real name and only one account may exist per person. You may put multiple e-mails on one personal account. Facebook is by far the most widely-adopted social network, with upwards of 800 million users. With an excellent geotargeted advertising network, it's also possible for you to set up and market your Facebook business page to specific consumers.

For Twitter

Each Twitter account has one owner and e-mail address on file, although multiple people can participate and post to specific account using a tool like CoTweet.com.

For Google Plus

Create a Google Plus accountwith your real name and Google account prior to creating a Google "Brand" page. The brand page may have photos, posts, and an "About" section with additional information and keywords.

While new communities are being established every day, some additional potential places where small businesses can establish a profile include: Tumblr, Posterous, Wordpress, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. For busy people attempting to maintain their own accounts, it may be more helpful to work with a social media strategist to come up with a marketing plan and some targets for attracting new Fans, Followers, and people in your Circles.

When you see the Facebook "Become a Fan" or "Like" button on larger websites like national brands, newspapers, and digital media, you know that the company is investing in social networking outreach - smalll businesses can do the same kind of outreach to build a focused, enthusiastic community of clients.