When you're used to working with your hands you probably don't want to be inside working on the computer. Rest assured, a proper use of the keyboard will bring you closer to the tools of your trade by bringing you more customers.

One of the best ways for a contractor to reach potential clients is through social media. Used poorly, social media can drive customers away. Used correctly, it can increase your customer base, and enhance your professional reputation.

Do you, as a contractor rather than web guru, know what social media is? Social media is the word for online connection hubs where people can provide information about themselves, follow the musings of other people and interact with each other in a variety of web-like ways. To use social media properly, it's important to know the different types.

Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are examples of social network hubs. These hubs allow people to interconnect with each other. Each person has their own page on the social media site. They can customize their page with various information such as likes, status updates and notes. Facebook would be the most interactive site, heavy with ways to share information with your network or the world. Twitter is a very simplistic social network site that allows you to update a status that is 160 characters or less. LinkedIn provides you with a network page that allows you to show off your business connections, professional history, contact information, and solicit references from those in your network.

Other options for social media marketing are media heavy sites that are more one way in information distribution, but allow viewer interaction, following and sharing through comments or RSS feeds. YouTube, eHow, Blogger and Wordpress are examples. Finally, you have the option of niche social networks, forums and virtual worlds such as Second Life.

When using social media, it's important that contractors use it right. LinkedIn is only for professional networking. Avoid putting any personal information, but use it heavily for professional purposes.

Sites like Facebook and Twitter can be a mix of professional and fun. Use a fan page and Facebook page  for your business that is open to everyone and a separate page that is only viewable by family and friends. (For Twitter have two separate twitter feeds). Allow your contractor's page to have a personality, but keep the personal on your private page.

When updating statuses, avoid making it one great big infomercial for your contracting business. People will not subscribe or follow your feed (which is your goal) if they are bombarded with advertising. They consider this spam. Instead, provide valuable information about DYI, avoiding scams, pertinent news etc. Intersperse this with updates about your company, your business, and experiences on the job. (Never talk negatively about a customer!)

Using media rich sites, such as YouTube and eHow, is all about providing valuable information to the customer. Make sure they know the information is presented by your contracting company, and that they can reach you for quality contracting work on any problems they might have. Forums and virtual worlds are different beasts, requiring their own article.

In all social media, always use proper grammar and spelling, even if you have to hire someone to insure you look and sound professional. Never type in ALL CAPS. People see this as yelling (never in a good way), and difficult to read.