There are more advantages of social networking than there are disadvantages.In this post I will reveal the biggest advantages of social networking and a few big disadvantages as well.
Advantages of social networking
Low costs:
It is free to use social networking sites for personal and business use which is underestimated by many online business owners.Using social networking strategies for marketing a product or service online is very effective because you can scout out target markets and potential customers with just a few clicks.
Builds credibility:
You can build trust with customers if you can connect with them on both personal and professional level.Using social networking sites is all about sharing information, not only your own information but other people´s information that you think can be useful for others as well.The more your customers know about you, the better.
Despite having to do a bit of work, it definitely pays off as you can be tapped for an offer if someone catches wind of your products or services. As long as you don’t pursue them too aggressively, you will do well here.
Connections and “new friends”:
You have friends, people you know have friends, and so on.This is a common situation that has potential. With the help of a social networking site, you can get in contact with these people if you play your cards right.You must give to receive, it is true in this case as well.You can get a lot of new contacts quickly.Just look how big Facebook and Twitter is right now, more and more people are joining social networking sites every day.
Building a strong brand:
Another huge advantage of social networking is that you can relatively quickly build a brand for your business, this is good news for people who are marketing online or thinking about a cheap and effective marketing strategy.Your marketing message will spread all around the web in a short time virtually for free.
Easy to stay in touch:
A few years ago it was only possible to keep in touch with family, friends and colleagues by phone, text messages or email.Nowadays you can update your profile on Facebook and every one knows what you are doing.Simple and quick!
What is your competition up to:
From a marketing perspective, one of the biggest advantages of social networking is that you can “spy” on your competition.All you need to do is follow them on the biggest social sites and you will have a good picture of what they are doing.This makes it easier for you to come up with a market plan and find your own niche.
Disadvantages of social networking
Lack of Anonymity:
You are putting your name, location, gender, age and other information on the internet that you don´t necessarily want other people to know about.As long as people can know who you exactly are, then some can find ways to do you harm.
Scams:
Online scams, identity theft and other cases of harassment is normal on the internet.Many social networking sites apply certain measures to keep these at an absolute minimum.You need to be careful.
Time Consuming:
Social networking is really time consuming.If it is not your thing it may just be a waste of time.Social networking is supposed to be fun, whether it is for business or personal use.There are social networking software available for business people that posts your links automatically to dozens of social networking sites.
However, in my opinion you should focus on only a few big core sites like Twitter and Digg (or the ones you like using) and build up your profile and authority.This is less time consuming and your results will probably be a lot better than using 20 different sites.
Is there a risk that social networking sites turn into huge link farms and the whole point of socializing disappears?
What do you think about the advantages of social networking? Leave a comment.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I believe there are pros and cons to everything. The only thing we can do is identify the cons and try to find some viable ways to counter it. Social networking is a powerful trend of today.
really a good post.nowadays social networking is good source to developed health business relations.its very powerful and useful trend.thanks.keep it up.
Social networking is a kind of interface between every people to know every activities that are very important to get all the updates and make everyone aware of all the present and current activities that are beneficial for everyone.
A lot of unethical people are now trying to spam social networking sites, but I see that it is minimal on facebook and myspace because they are really tracking down malicious activities over their website. Social media sites should be for interaction and not mainly for endorsing stuffs.
I think that social networking can be very helpful. Though, on the other hand it can be very dangerous. If you have all your personal information on the internet you make it that much easier for someone to do you harm. Social networking can help your business as long as you are careful. Don’t rely on the sites to keep you safe. You need to use your judgment as well.
Social networking takes too much time and too much time… yup – that much. Plus you have to be everything to all people.
To me it’s like watching the execs when blackberries first came out – they were expected to respond to an email in seconds, instead of when their schedules permit.
Now with, texting and all the other intrusions in our day, social networking is taking over every aspect of your life…
I got into this (IM) to make money while I sleep, not try to get some sleep while I’m making money. I say unplug from social networking altogether and find other ways to learn about your clients.
Keep your life yours.
In modern times social networking has created a revolution world wide.It has become a multibillion dollar industry within a very short period.
I agree with this post wholeheartedly. People these days seem almost mesmerized by Facebook,Twitter,Myspace,etc. We as a society need to stop being stuck to the screen and remember some of the dangers of talking to complete strangers. See this article for a full detail:
http://www.squidoo.com/social-networking-disadvantages
good blog, you dont know who your talking to online, could be anyone… even if they give a photo doesnt mean its of them… online is a bad way to meet new people.. keep safe!!
I love this post, great tips. Social networking is definetly a great way to get to know people and get the word out about your business.Its also a plus that some of those social media relationships turn into real friendships after to getting to know people and them doing the same.
Social networking is a BIG THUMBS-UP!!!!
As we all sees, things really changed a lot. And this is one of thte great changed that ever happened.
I totally agree. I can’t imagine how my life would have been like without social media. Here’s a tip! Another great tool for social media sites you might want to check out: social networking software free
Social Networking is the digital way of socializing on internet. We do the same thing what we used to in real world. And it open a new dimension for advertiser to reach people on intenet.