Happy New Year everyone!  I think it is only appropriate to cap off this roller coaster of a year with my summary of the best 10 sites for businesses wanting to include social media networking in their marketing plan. These networks are made up of millions of members willing to share valuable content, ideas and expertise.  Social Media communities are excellent places to build your brand, find a new audience, conduct research, get new ideas, and to simply have fun.

 

 

1. Facebook

In my opinion, Facebook is slowly gaining social media dominance over My Space among working professionals and young adults. Facebook’s applications set it apart from other social networking sites. Applications include photos, videos, groups, events, marketplace, posted items, notes, blog networks and gifts.  Since launching in 2004, Facebook has obtained over 8 million users in the U.S. alone and expanded worldwide to 7 other English-speaking countries, with more to follow.  With these kinds of stats- businesses cannot afford to not be on this network. 

 

2. Twitter

Twitter- Twitter is my personal favorite social media channel of the moment.  While it may not be clear in the beginning, the vast potential to network with others with similar interests on Twitter is far too great to ignore.  I utilize Twitter Search to monitor what is being said about my clients, and on other related topics.  My clients have interacted with a number of bloggers on Twitter and these connections have resulted in greater visibility for their site.  The key to Twitter is to post relevant and interesting information, or “Tweets” to attract new followers.  When being used as a social media tool and not a platform to conduct spammy advertising- they will find you.

 

3. You Tube

Everyone is talking about the importance of Web video these days. You Tube is certainly one of the more well known social media channels because of its mass appeal and diverse selections of videos.  I can watch anything from “How To Create a Wiki” video to a funny animal movie.  You Tube is social media networking at its best and there is much to be gained from small and large businesses on You Tube.  Ask anyone.  Once a video is uploaded onto You Tube- you can share the links on your Facebook page and/or profile, Twitter, add to social bookmarking communities and more.

 

4. Flickr

Image sharing is another wonderful means to draw users to your site.  Social photo sharing communities such as Flickr are places to share your favorite photos with your audience.  Flickr allows you to easily upload and organize your photos into sets and photos steams.  Like Facebook & Twitter, you can connect to other users who can keep tabs on your new photos and vice versa.  I also enjoy the fact that you can join groups with similar interests on Flickr and share photos through these channels. 

 

5. Squidoo

Squidoo is slowly becomming one of my favorite sites to post information.  Squidoo is made up a series of user generated sections- referred to as “lenses”.  A user can sign up for an account and create a lens on just about anything- denim, eggs, beaded jewelry, Catholicism, you name it- the possibilities are endless. Squidoo allows you again to connect to other Squidoo users who follow your lenses.  Squidoo also gives you the option of connecting with other social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter and Flickr. 

 

6. Kaboodle

Kaboodle is a social shopping community where users can network with other like minded friends and recommend their favorite trends and products from the Web.  Kaboodle makes it very simple to add your favorite items directly from the site. This community is ideal for anyone who love to shop, but feels overwhelmed by the vast online search options.  Social shopping communities networks are ideal to introduce your Website and products to new customers while building relationships with existing customers by having them join and link with you.  

 

7. Ezine Articles

Ezine is short for “electronic magazine”. Ezines can and should contain lots of helpful information and resources for your subscribers. In recent years, an explosion of online article sites have occurred on the internet- it is advantageous for a business to utilizenthese sites to find a new audience on the Web.  Ezine Articles is the among the highest ranked of the directories and strives to produce quality content.  In addition, members can sign up to receive enormously helpful newsletters that give tips and tools to improve their article writing skills.

 

8. Digg

Digg is among the most popular social bookmarking communities. Social book marking is designed for users to organize and share Web pages through a process of tagging (assigning relevant key words).   Digg was made for people to discover and share content by voting and commenting on submitted material.  If one finds the story or link useful, they can vote, or “Digg” the story.  The more “Diggs” a piece contains, the more prominent it is featured in the site.

 

9. Stumble Upon

Stumble Upon is another of the more prominent social bookmarking communities.  This site allows its users to discover and rate Web pages, photos, and videos. It chooses which new Web page to display based on the user’s ratings of previous pages, ratings by his/her friends, and by the ratings of users with similar interests. Users can rate, or choose not to rate, any Web page with a thumbs up or thumbs down, and clicking the Stumble button resembles “channel surfing” the Web.

 

10. Linked In

Linked In is a network of working professionals and one of the top social networking communities on the Web.  When you sign up for a profile, you have the opportunity to promote your self and your business.  The appeal of Linked In is the ability to find current and former co-workers, friends, partners and other business contacts and add them to your profile network.   Linked In is also an excellent way to make new contacts and drive more traffic to your site.

 

Web Marketing Therapy Related Links:

• Is Social Media Changing The Way We Will See History?
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