Last updated on June 24th, 2009
When you think of social networks, the first to come to mind are usually general social networks such as Facebook and MySpace.
However, there has been a rise in niche social networks, branded networks that are built for specific users to connect and communicate about topics related to their industries. Examples include Shelfari.com for book enthusiasts and ImSaturn for Saturn owners.
With the rise of niche social networks, many business owners are considering whether a specifically branded social network will be a worthwile investment for their business and industry.
A branded network can be a good idea to foster discussion about your industry and promote more traffic to your site. When beginning, there are some factors that you need to address in order for the benefits to outweigh the costs in time and money.
The first and most important issue to address is to ensure there are enough active users before even considering beginning a networking site. To achieve this, you will need to offer a wide platform of topics beyond just your brand and include discussions on how your industry affects the world at large.
Once a cadre of dedicated users is secured, you can move on to obtaining the needed software. There are a few companies out there that specialize in social networking platforms, such as Ning and ONEsite, and offers wide ranging options from inexpensive basic software plug-ins to entire Web 2.0 platforms. You can cut some costs by establishing a revenue-sharing agreement with the provider or by including ads.
Finally, integrating the networking site into your main website will take a little more effort. Don’t forget the power of search engine optimization to help attract more traffic and users to your social network. Enlist an SEO company that can help you make the most of this endeavor.
Once you have everything up and running, engage your community through blog posts, networking with your community, and sharing information with other sites!