Social networks: find out where you belong

A question was recently posed to me: "Which is better? Myspace or Facebook?"

Myspace and Facebook are just two of the many leading social networking sites. Billions visit these communities religiously to stay in contact with their friends and make new ones. And advertisers have jumped at the chance to use these networks to find their customers. The thinking of course is, "If everyone is there, no doubt we should be too."

Recently published statistics suggest that Myspace is growing older—the average user is now age 35 or more, and the 18-24 are moving towards Facebook. Many “experts” use these statistics to reach the conclusion that Facebook is, in fact, better than Myspace. After all, they would argue, Myspace has been overrun by a bunch of uncool old people who aren’t setting trends, but following them. Which is a clear sign of an internet phenom going downhill. If you want to be on top of your social networking game, you gotta be where it’s hot.

Yeah right.

I don’t think there is an easy answer to this question. The internet population is just too enormous to make sweeping generalizations like, which is better… which site won the battle. Each site offers their own unique features and benefits, and that’s what has made them rise to the top.

And, more importantly, I think just simply asking that question represents the old way of thinking. Don’t ask which is better so you can easily assume which site to throw your marketing efforts at—but rather invest some time in researching the entire genre as a whole. Spend some time with these sites, research them, and find out where your customers are. Then make your choice. Social networking is entirely about your involvement with a virtual community. You have to stay immersed in it if you are to succeed. Asking someone where you should go is not the way to start. The way to start is to jump in feet first and see where you land.