What is the best social media site on the Internet? It’s simple: the one where your target market hangs out.
Your target market isn’t as narrowly defined as those to whom you want to sell something. Expand it to include those with whom you’d like to network, develop a friendship, or even date.
For most business people, it is important to think clearly about whom you’re trying to attract. Are you looking for people to sell to directly? If this is the case, then direct marketing or advertising might be a better option than social media.
When it comes to social networking, think about the people who have traditionally offered the best referrals. For example, wedding planners may be a good referral source for wedding photographers. Accountants can be an excellent source of referrals for financial planners.
Sometimes a business owner can be a little more direct. Commercial photographers might consider targeting designers. But, no matter the target, the key is to be a resource who gives and engages as much as possible and avoids acting like a salesperson.
So, if you are trying to connect with teens or musicians, then the best social media Web site on the Internet is MySpace. Twitter is the best if you enjoy sharing information, original thoughts and links to resources that your target market desires. If you are looking for professionals just a few soft introductions away from you, then maybe the best place is LinkedIn. Your target market may be on a forum. There are thousands of forums on the Internet where people socialize, talk shop and develop professional networks.
Maybe the best site with enough functionality and valuable information that your target needs or desires doesn’t exist yet. If this is the case, maybe your next step is to create the best social media site on the Internet.
Rosh
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Tags: Advertising, business, marketing, Myspace, Social network, Target market, Twitter, World Wide Web
Great post. I think that is why Facebook is good for me because my target market fits in within the demographics of the research of this study: http://www.briansolis.com/2009/10/revealing-the-people-defining-social-networks/. Also, Model Mayhem works for me as I photograph models and MUAs. Very important for photographers and others who use social media to know which site is the best for what. Thanks for sharing.
Trudy,
Thanks for the good comment and mentioning Model Mayhem. Good example that I don’t touch on very often.
Rosh
Thanks for the good information Rosh.
I am in education and use Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Flickr to reach, my students, prospects and to stay in contact with alums. The interesting part is that many alums have kept me in their circles and provide real opportunities for me and the students that have come after them.
Chris