When you hear the term social networks, what do you think of? Because of the word “media”, many people think of “news media” or “social news”. This is understandable as that word has always been tied to the news. And believe me, you are not alone. This is due to the fact that social news IS social media, but there are many other forms as well. So what exactly is social media and how can it benefit you?
Social media means relating and interacting with other people through creating, sharing, and exchanging thoughts and ideas through comments of themselves, posting of photos and/or videos. On these sites, you can socialize with others as you swipe your business link from time to time. There’s nothing wrong with a little friendly publicity, right? So where are these social networking sites? Well, I can almost guarantee that you have been using one or more for some time now. Below is a description and examples of some of these sites:
Social Media – This type of site connects people by posting about their lives and what they are doing. You can post about your business and share a link. This helps drive traffic to your site, especially when others share your business link with their friends. Create a profile; add friends and then post “status” updates. Interacting with others involves commenting on people’s status, playing games, and joining groups that you or others create. (Examples: Facebook, Hi5, Last.FM).
Social Bookmarking – This concept allows users to bookmark online, not just on their computers. This opened the door for companies to advertise by posting their links to the site. Some frown on this, saying it’s spam, but others allow it. How does it work? Sign up for an account, bookmark your own site, and then start browsing and tagging other people’s bookmarked websites. In turn, they can click on your links to check them out. Having your business site is the key. (Examples: Del.icio.us, Simpy, Blinklist).
Social photo and video sharing: Create an account, upload photos and/or videos, and share them with friends and family. Depending on your type of business, or even if you don’t have one, these sites may draw attention to you. Linking through other social networking sites for people to see is helpful. (Examples: YouTube, Flickr).
Social News: A collection of articles written by people just like you. Interact with others on the site by commenting and voting on published articles. If you’re a writer, these sites are a great place to get your work noticed. (Examples: Digg, Redditt, Propeller).
Social blogs: blogs that allow viewers to comment and/or discuss the blog itself. (Examples: Blogger, Tumblr, WordPress).
Social media can help your business, so sign up and advertise, let’s do as many as you can. Remember, any web page that allows you to interact with other people and post on the page itself will fall into the social media category. So don’t limit yourself to the above sites.
