Social Networks

Social Networking is a relatively new phenomenon. The market, started by Hi5 and MySpace, is a vast one - with millions of people accessing, and using, these sites on a daily basis.

Social Networks present an enormous opportunity for the Online Business. Using search and browse facilities, you can identify groups of people likely to want your product/service, then market it to them using your Profile Page, Messaging, Comment Boards, Bulletins etc... Note however, that this doesn't mean you can just send adverts to people - that will quickly lead to you having your profile deleted or being banned.

The strength of Social Networks lays in your ability to develop your audience through things such as specialist groups for a particular hobby or interest, forums, and blogs on your profile.

Different networks have different audiences to an extent - MySpace has less University Graduates than Facebook, for example. Ecademy has a very business oriented membership. Giblink is a pay service using affiliate marketing to get users - I think it's expensive for an unknown quantity, especially when the market is filled with free sites, but it seems to have a lot of supporters among the Network Marketing community.

YouTube is also a Social Network, but different to the others because of its' focus on Videos.

List of Social Networks

MySpace - See My Profile - The biggest and best known, although somewhat hostile to 'active business tactics' as I found out to my horror and temporary deletion!.

Facebook - Said to be the fastest growing. More of a locality, company, friend & education -oriented network

Ojeez - The Social Network Marketing Community for Entrepreneurs, Professionals and Home-based Businesses

Yuwie - You can get paid on Yuwie for visiting profiles, leaving comments, writing in your blog etc. But it costs you nothing to join!

AdLandPro - Business Network with free advertising, excellent benefits and a friendly thriving community.

Get Linked from 16,000 + sites with one click.

Sales Spider - "Other Social Networks Make You Friends. Sales Spider Makes You Money"

DirectMatches - The first, largest and most active Business Matchmaking and Social Networking site. Limited unless you spend $9.99pm on membership

APSense - Business Social Network - Get paid while promoting your business

Ecademy - Business-oriented Social Network. Free membership, but subscribing gets you more features

Flyin Solo - Business-oriented network. Limited free opportunity, although low $4pm membership

Hotrollin - Business Networking Site

Viadeo - See My Profile - Business Networking Site