Which Web 2.0 Options Are Best for Me?

Social networks are all the rage these days. There are all kinds of great networks on the ‘net for those that are interested in connecting with others, seeing others, or simply being seen. The problem is that there are so many from which to choose that it seems nearly impossible to find the right network in which to hook up with others online.

The first thing you really need to ask yourself when deciding on which network is the one for you to use is what the goal of your social networking efforts will be. In other words, are you networking for business or for pleasure? Believe it or not, it makes a difference.

Those who are trying to incorporate Web 2.0 into their Internet marketing strategy will find that LinkedIn may be, by far, the best way to go. This is the serious side of social networking and when used properly can be an incredible boost to not only your business but also your personal economy. If you are interested in making connections for joint venture projects, finding clients, or simply networking with other Internet entrepreneurs, LinkedIn is a great place to begin.

That is not to say that successful businesses haven’t been built or broken with the assistance of either MySpace of Facebook only that those who prefer to take a more serious minded business approach may appreciate what LinkedIn has to offer a little more than the other platforms for social networking that may be considered a little less serious by the bottom line or profit minded.

If you have a business that makes its sales on fun, energy, or youthful enthusiasm however, then MySpace is definitely one of the places to be on the World Wide Web. Granted it isn’t the only place to be but current trends point to the fact that there are more searches done on a daily basis for MySpace than for Google. If exposure is what you want and you are interested in making the effort to seriously network with others, see, and be seen then MySpace is a playground for you and quite possibly your business.

Facebook on the other hand is somewhere in between MySpace and LinkedIn as far as platforms for social networks goes. A little more ‘grown up’ if you will than MySpace but not quite as serious as LinkedIn. For many Facebook is the perfect fit for both personal and Internet marketing strategy needs. It’s a place where you can combine, to some degree, your business and personal contact and networking needs without feeling as though you are really sacrificing one in favor of the other. This is a big deal for many who feel that their marketing efforts leave them missing out on the human element. It is also one way in which Web 2.0 helps those who feel that working online so much leaves them disconnected from others.

Ultimately, whether you choose MySpace, Facebook, or LinkedIn is entirely up to you. Any of these networks can be used for business or simply to make personal connections in an increasingly wired world.