Social Networking – Is it still worth all the trouble?
Social networking has in my opinion, gone a bit too crazy and there are far too many choices available online today. There are networks dedicated to science, education, literature, websites, and just about any career you can think of.
Anyone with a self-hosted WordPress website can actually add a plug-in that will allow you to create and host your own social network with very little limitations. So as you can see it has become rather difficult to define which networks are worth your valuable time. You will undoubtedly be asking which of these networks can help to connect you with the right buyer or member for your community, and do this consistently.
Of course, everyone knows the top 2 or 3 networks as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. But beyond those 3 where should you invest your time?
- DailyBooth – This site is a community of people who wish to record their lives or the lives of others through photos. Each day every member uploads a single picture and after a while it starts to tell a story of that subjects existence, whether it is a person or object. I really enjoy this website and have just started to use it myself. It is very enjoyable and some people can get very creative.
- Blip.tv – If you are creative or just enjoy watching tv created by your peers, then this site is perfect for you. I myself have lost quite a bit of time while watching the available videos. There is comedy, animation, drama, even supernatural style shows, surprisingly enough there is some really great content to be found here.
- Buzznet – A very nicely done site. When you post you actually have the ability to add your own banners to the top of your posts. See the link I attached for an example. It is worked into the page and you can add your own wallpaper behind the post box, it’s really interesting. You can really customize it to be your own and brand yourself.
- Google+ – It may seem like an automatic hit simply due to its mother company, Google, and it was, but it began as an invitation only site. In the last couple of years things have been picking up for this great network. The best point in my opinion is that it incorporates Google Talk, Google Voice, Google Chat, even Google Mail, all within the application so that it all works together almost seamlessly.
Also, much like the Facebook Fan Page, Google offers its own page creation which can be used for personal, local business, or global online business set up. These pages are really nice when you take the time to create a page that is just for you or your company.
- Pinterest–Very simply put – you get a cork board of your own (virtual of course) and as you find interesting things and helpful resources you will ‘pin’ those things to your board where your friends can then see it all. It can help you to stay organized, keep research straight, share your hobbies or business ideas, and so much more. Currently this is solely for invited members, but they don’t exactly make it hard to get the invite. If you need one then just contact me and let me know.
- Mashable – Not just a social site, but also a fantastic resource for learning almost anything imaginable. Talented writers will find that their work will be welcome on this website and its high page views will mean instant traffic for you. All you would need to do is write some good content and list your web address to find out more, people will click through to find out what else you offer
The fact is that there are hundreds of active social networks online today and tomorrow will bring even more. Each of these sites hosts anywhere from 2 people to as much as millions, but the one thing that remains constant throughout them all – is YOU. If you are not participating or posting regularly then you cannot expect to gain anything from the site. If you find a network that you like try to tell others about it and try to help others so that involvement grows. By doing this you will be helping to make the site that you love, popular and successful.
Liz Calamusa is an author with a very unique way of doing things. Because of the lack of support offered online today Liz is launching a brand new program called The ‘Create Your Own Success System’ available as of May 31, 2012 and it is receiving some absolutely amazing reviews from some very well respected sources. Visit www.LizCalamusa.com for more, including a free copy of #3 Perfection SEO.
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