Seller’s Guide to Social Networks – Where do I promote : Facebook, MySpace or Ning ?

Social networking has become extremely popular with two out of every three Internet users across the world visiting one social networking site or the other. It is said that social networking is the most prevalent online activity, next only to emailing. And according to the latest ComScore report, a user spends an average of 3.7 hours on a social network !

What does this mean to you ?

Well, it means that social networks can be used as a very effective channel to promote your products and services. If you are not actively marketing your products on social networks, you are probably missing out on a great opportunity.

But here’s the catch. There are many social networks out there. Facebook, MySpace, Ning, LinkedIn, Friendster, Orkut, Hi5 and the list goes on. How do you decide where to promote your stuff ?

The short answer is, it depends. It depends on who you are and who your target market is. Here are a few pointers:

• Facebook
  
  
  
  Facebook is currently the largest and the fastest growing social network in the world. If has a whooping 250 million active users. Facebook started as a network for university graduates and later expanded to include everyone. When in doubt, go for Facebook.
  Check Out: Facebook
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• MySpace
  
  
  
  
  MySpace has a huge presence in the United States. MySpace users tend to be younger and more self-expressive. If your products appeals to a demographic that is young, interested in music videos and other online entertainment, then MySpace is probably the best place to promote.
  Check Out: MySpace
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• LinkedIn
  
  
  
  LinkedIn is a professional network meant for serious businesses. While it might not be a great place to sell merchandise, if you are looking for a partner, investor or a web designer, LinkedIn is sure to help. On the other hand, If you are selling web designing service or an accounting service, LinkedIn is the right place to be promoting it !
  Check Out: LinkedIn
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• Ning
  
  
  
  Ning is a completely different from the other networks mentioned above. Ning is not a social network by itself. Ning is an online service where anybody can create a social network, very much like our own network: Social Sellers.
  
  Ning is a great place to target niche customer segments. For example, if you are selling embroidered pet collars, the best place to promote your products would be a Ning nework for dog lovers like this one or this one
  Check Out: Ning
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• International / Geography specific networks
  While Facebook is the largest social network in the United States, other countries have their own popular social networks. Listed below are some of most popular networks from around the world. If you are trying to build an global customer base, these will prove to be useful
  • Friendster
    
    
    
    Popular in South East Asia.
    Check Out: Friendster
  • Hi5
    
    
    
    Popular in Spanish speaking parts of the world
    Check Out: Hi5
  • Orkut
    
    
    
    Owned by Google. Popular in India and Brazil
    Check Out: Orkut

Have you been successful in promoting your product on social networks ? Do you have any tips for other community members? Join our discussion on this article: Seller’s Guide to Social Networks