Guide to Social Networking Websites
Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn and Bebo are probably the most popular social networking sites currently operating. While they all operate in different ways and target different social groups, the common theme among them is that they each bring like-minded groups of people together in an online setting.
These sites also allow businesses to act as quasi-people. This means that you can set up an account for your business and then link up with other people who could then be exposed to your communication message.
This is the first way that social networking sites can help your business. However, you as the business owner need to assess whether your inclusion on such a site is appropriate or value adding for your business. Pubs, clubs and restaurants have probably got the most to gain while professional services firms such as accountants, lawyers have possibly the least. The best way to judge these sites is to sign up as an individual in order to see how they work.
The second way that these sites can be of value is through their advertising programs. Many of these sites operate ‘pay per click’ advertising options similar to those offered by the large search engines. Click through rates tend to be even lower than search engines but as you only pay for the clicks this is not so much of a worry. In fact, with Facebook, you can display your logo in an ad so even when you are not generating ‘click throughs’ to your website, you are still developing brand awareness – for free!
Check Out Our Other Guides
Below is a list of other guides that you may be interested in reading:
- Website Design and Development
- Content Management Systems (CMS)
- Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
- Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
- Selling Products & Services Online
- 11 Tips for Choosing Your Web Design Company
- Common Mistakes with Website Projects
- Email Marketing & Information Marketing
- Fixing What's Wrong With Your Existing Website
- Social Networking Websites
