A world of interaction - social networking explained
In the past year social networking has taken the online world by storm. Regional Portal internet marketing Pascal Fintoni suggests that if you've always wanted to win friends and influence people there has never been a better time to start.
Social networking is undoubtedly the internet buzzword and activity of the moment, continuing to grow with startling speed each day. Social networking websites, such as MySpace and Bebo, attract more than two million visitors every month.
The idea behind social networking is to let users build online profiles that advertise their interests and to help them connect with a network of friends. Users are also encouraged to share their own content online, including photos, videos, music, and other digital files. YouTube for example allows users to upload videos for others to view and comment on.
Like instant messaging and chat rooms before it, social networking has become a powerful way for people to communicate and another place for people to spend their time online. And powerful they are. Just look at the success enjoyed by music band Arctic Monkeys and singer Lily Allen – both used the MySpace social website to propel them to stardom. These social networking sites often cater to a particular niche – women, religious groups, dogs, books, music – the list goes on. So it is no surprise that there is growing evidence that social networking can be a powerful professional ally to businesses. Particularly for independent entrepreneurs and small companies, for whom each new personal connection is a significant business building block.
While consumers have been quick to embrace these technologies, business adoption is taking off at a slower pace. But the commercial value of these websites has become invaluable – with many social sites enjoying visitor numbers rivalling that of search engines like Google and Yahoo!, it is important that businesses become familiar with social networking and maximise upon the potential to make new business contacts and even reach new customers.
After all, for many social networking is fast becoming essential rather than an option.
Networking sites roundup Bebo – www.bebo.com Originally founded to help keep in touch with friends, British-born Bebo is the sixth busiest site in the UK and is threatening to knock Google off the top spot. Best for: teens and young adults. Friendster – www.friendster.com First launched as a social experiment it was awarded the patent for social networking. Despite its big start, Friendster has slowly lost market share and now owns less than 1% of the market. Best for: Young adults. MySpace – www.myspace.com Owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, MySpace offers users personal profiles, blogs, groups, photos, music and videos. Probably the best-known and biggest social network online. Best for: teens and young adults. ReferNet – www.refernet.net Its mission is to enhance business networking referrals for entrepreneurs through its business networking platform. Best for: Business people and entrepreneurs.
Ryze - www.ryze.com Brings individuals and groups together based on affinity and mutual interests in the professional world. Best for: Business people and entrepreneurs. Yahoo! 360 – www.360.yahoo.com launched in early 2005, Yahoo! 360 brings together social networking, blogging and photo sharing. Only accessible to people 18 years and above. Best for: Adults. YouTube – www.youtube.com Focuses on people sharing video files. Best for: teens and adults.
Editor’s notes About Pascal
With over 15 years experience in marketing communications, Pascal Fintoni has a proven track record in the development of marketing activities, including websites and online communications tools such as e-newsletters, e-surveys, e-bulletins and pay-per-click campaigns.
Specialising in SEO, Pascal is a dedicated search engine marketing consultant and offers search engine optimisation consultancy services. He is currently developing a new SEO service to help exporters and international traders.
Pascal has also created successful search engine optimisation training courses that he hosts on a regular basis across the North East of England. More about Pascal - http://www.n-e-life.com/forbusiness/article2.php?id=79178 About the North East Regional Portal
The Regional Portal is an e-business champion and its bold innovative approach is recognised nationally and internationally as driving the North East’s position at the leading edge of the digital revolution.
Through its portfolio of services and training courses it helps businesses adopt innovative internet and technology to sell and win business and deliver and retain business. Its chief services include online project management consultancy, e-procurement, broadband, PR and promotion, free directory listings for North East businesses, e-marketing and search engine optimisation, portal solutions, training courses, seminars and workshops, plus advice and support on ICT.
For further information telephone (0191) 487 2002 or visit www.n-e-life.com. Media contact: Jennifer Robson The North East Regional Portal Tel : 0191 487 2002 Email: jennifer.robson@n-e-life.co.uk