Facebook - is it just for the kids?
As we all know the search engines, love them or loathe them, are an indispensable tool for people of all ages - the results offered are a key part of many businesses success or indeed survival.
Facebook - and the other large networking sites such as Bebo and MySpace - seem to be just for anyone between the ages of 8 and 21. These web visitors use the networking sites for literally just that - networking. They are able to keep in touch with their pals, see what they are up both through web diaries and photographs, as well as create an online account of their own lives, exploits and adventures. Other affiliate sites such as Friends Reunited or LinkedIn also offer a way for people of different interests to meet up with each other and make connections
This is not for every commercial or voluntary organisation but there can be considerable benefits on having a presence on these sites. What might these benefits be?
1. The development of an alternative web presence and profile which you can control, can be found on the search engines, and which people visit to find a different perspective on your organisation
2. Viral awareness of your name and brand is a real possibility. The way the networking system works is that your presence will be on the profiles of your 50 friends, they will have a presence on their 50 friends profiles - which means that 2,500 people will see your organisation's brand. The next ring of connections is 125,000 connection and so it progresses outwards.
3. Seed your brand around the network - put news, information, videos and absolutely anthing that might interest people onto other people's walls or notice boards. You have to be discerning about it and not abuse other people's profiles but it is still a viable opportunity to get your brand out there in the community.
Facebook and the networking sites are destined to become a key part of our future and it should be remembered that the kids of today are the adults of tomorrow.
These networking sites have a big future!