Social Networking Sites can bу used for different purposes. Of course, the first is Dating, then goes comunication in Clubs and Groups, sharing the experience, getting employees and many more.

There is opportunity for enterprises to take advantage of the emerging Web 2.0 platform to market products and services and better tap into consumer needs, according to an IDC Canada analyst.

ItBusiness.cawrites that this is especially relevant considering that a recent survey by the Toronto-based research firm found that 51 per cent of online Canadians have a profile on some sort of social networking forum.

“If enterprises can use that quality time to reach those individuals, that’s one angle to take,” said Tony Olvet, vice-president of analyst firm IDC Canada’s communications practice.

The IDC survey identified five types of social networking sites: friend, group general interest, dating, blogging, and media sharing. Olvet said businesses should make the distinction in order to understand what drives consumers to these sites. “To assume they are all the same is the first mistake.”

Marketing products and services in the social networking space should be approached with great caution, said Michael O’Connor Clarke, vice-president at Thornley Fallis Communications Inc., a Toronto-based public relations firm.

Most sites prize transparency, authenticity and integrity, he said. And rules of conduct are “softly defined” and therefore, make measuring ones strategy in the space difficult.

Stephen Lau, president and co-founder of Ottawa-based search engine marketing firm SalientMarketing Inc., agreed that enterprises should take an indirect marketing approach in Web 2.0.. That way, a business can attract those who have the problem, and in turn, they could be potential customers, said Lau.

The article author also notes that HR companies also keep track of Social Networking sites. They get employees and get more customers. Though, it’s mentioned that business at social networking sites demands higher level of marketing and planning. But the difficulties associated with Web 2.0 from a business perspective, it’s still worth trying because there are instances of companies who have reaped benefit from internal and external social networking.

And if you’re planning to start your Dating or Networking business you may probably think over the ways you or your partners could advertise there. It’s a good way to promote almost everything to a target auditory. Good luck!

Tags: business, Communications, Dating, indirect marketing, ItBusiness, Marketing, marketing products, networking space, online, search engine marketing, Sites, Social, social networking, social networking sites, target

Related posts

• Обратите внимание на Mail.ru! (7)
• PG Dating Pro July 2010 is available! (0)
• How to use Dating sites reviews to profit? (4)