|
We all know about social networking in the personal sense, but the Internet has been able to take social networking to a whole new level.
Social networking is really no different than traditional networking, you're just online and in the comfort of your own home or office.
Those you like and share interests with become a part of your network.
The key, however, is to get those who are interested in you to start talking about you and spread your reputation through word of mouth. The great thing about the Internet is that you can chat and talk with people from all over the world. You are not limited to your business contacts, friends or acquaintances. You can meet people and interact nearly 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Interacting Online
Social networking online is not a whole lot different than conversing with someone in person. There are just a whole lot more options available to you. You will also want to consider what your goals are when you begin marketing yourself or your website online. Are you looking for freelance work and promoting your website? Are you promoting products that you sell on a website? Or are you just looking to get your URL out there and get people to traffic your website? After you have determine your purpose then you have many options on where to begin your social networking.
Where Does Social Networking Begin?
There are numerous social networking sites, but here are just a few to get you started.
- MySpace : MySpace is considered the mother of social networking sites. Sure there are a lot of teens on MySpace and your actual marketing ability is somewhat limited, but if you are looking for people you are going to find them here. Also you don't want to forget that teens are consumers too, so if you have any products that might work for them you will definitely be able to market to them. There are also older individuals getting on MySpace as well as businesses. MySpace also offers blogs.
- Yahoo! 360 : This is Yahoo!'s social networking site. This site is unique because you are able to cross-promote Yahoo! products. For example, if you have any reviews for your business or product on Yahoo! Local, you can list these there. You can also host a blog.
- Gather : Gather is a unique social networking site that allows users to write articles and offers a point reward system for you if you are active. If you really know a lot about a particular topic and really want to get your idea out there, then Gather can really be fun. Gather also hosts groups that allow people to post articles under their respected interests.
- LinkedIn : This site is a more professional and career-related networking site. The site is exclusively for business and professional networking. You are able to find service providers, clients, find and post jobs and more. You can also connect with classmates and colleagues.
Who Are You Networking With?
You can connect with just about anyone on these sites. Mostly you will be finding customers and consumers, but you can also find business contacts as well. There will be several people who find you, but for the most part you are going to want to actively seek "friends" to join your profile and to interact with. Either way you will find a variety of people who may benefit from you and you may benefit from them.
Action Steps For Social Networking
1. Start exploring your social networking options. You may want to join a few sites or one depending on what they offer and what you need.
2. Sign up and develop a profile.
3. Begin searching and interacting with people in your area of expertise.
Important Points About Social Networking
- Don't be too salesy. People are often on these sites to have fun and if they find out about something new, then that is just an added bonus.
- The more friends you have the more their friends will see you. They will be in your extended network.
- Don't be afraid to look for old classmates and friends. You never know what they might be doing and how they might be able to help you.
Related Articles
Using Squidoo to Market Your Website
How To Make Use of A Blog To Market Your Website
[ More Website Tips ]
|
