Posts Tagged ‘social networking’

Online Marketing Blog: Search Engine Optimization + Social Networking!

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

In May 2010, social platforms surpassed the number of visits by Internet users when compared to the search giant Google. Google is the most popular search engine in town, if not the only search engine that really remains "standing". I mean who uses Yahoo for search anymore (anyone???)?
 
Top visited sites remain Facebook, Youtube, Twitter and then the rest.

But I don't see how Facebook can ever become a "search engine". It just doesn't have the content that Google has. Facebook and other social platforms have "user-generated" content. So from a user reach perspective, they are great tools for businesses. But individuals and companies will continue to use Google as a search engine to find relevant information. Hence the need for search engine optimization and top rankings. But since top rankings can benefit from links from social networks, businesses benefit from incorporating search engine optimization and social networking together.

Google's got competition in Facebook for sure from a simple "user" number perspective which I can see why. Grandmas who'd never go to Google to search for anything would definitely go to Facebook to see pictures of their grandkids. Right?
 
So is it really surprising then that Facebook will continue to lead the "number of users" statistics? But when it comes to finding anything at all; from cooking tips to products to vacation spots, Google's where I'm going to be and so are you.

 

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Posted in Google, Internet Marketing, Social Media Marketing | No Comments »

TMI makes you vulnerable to Cyber thieves!

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

Too much Information (TMI) is a very apt phrase to describe what goes on, on social networking sites. People share everything; not realizing that the information they share is all PUBLIC and visible to anyone and everyone.

Employers are searching social networks to research prospective employees. FBI is monitoring them to find criminals; and thieves are monitoring and actively searching social networks to find victims!

Yes, this was bound to happen when it is so common for people to share their vacation plans, their purchasing decisions, and so much more.

Vulnerability from cyber hackers can be reduced by doing the following:

  • Changing passwords regularly (every 2 weeks or 30 days)
  • Setting web privacy to “high”
  • Being careful when clicking on links posted by others
  • Reporting spam and accounts that may have been compromised to cyber hackers
  • Using robust security software to continually clean computer from viruses, cookies, and malware

But reducing vulnerability from criminals is even more important and easy. Just follow the NO TMI rule and DO NOT:

  • Share vacation plans
  • Advertise that you are alone at home
  • Advertise that your home will be vacant for the night or weekend or for any period of time
  • Discuss girlfriend / boyfriend location
  • Discuss specific plans for movies, dinner, etc.
  • Discuss college campus selection for kids

You get the point. Do NOT share any information which clues criminals on finding you and victimizing you in any form.

Social networking is fun but it can be dangerous too. BEWARE!

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Posted in Social Media Marketing | 1 Comment »

Social Networks

Friday, July 10th, 2009

Let’s get the bad news out of the way.

As a result of the poor economy and various difficulties at MySpace, paid advertising on online social networks in the US is expected to fall 3% in 2009.

But the drop will be short-lived.

eMarketer projects that US marketers will increase their social network ad spending 13.2% in 2010, to $1.3 billion.

“The expected rebound in spending will come as more companies focus on creating and implementing an overall social marketing strategy,” says Debra Aho Williamson, eMarketer senior analyst and author of the new report,Social Network Ad Spending: A Brighter Outlook Next Year. “And it is a clear indication that the experimental phase of social network marketing is finally drawing to an end.”

2009 is turning into a year of major shifts in the social network business.

“Facebook, once a distant second to MySpace, has outperformed its rival in nearly every measure of usage—and is on track to surpass MySpace in ad spending by 2011,” says Ms. Williamson.

US spending at MySpace is expected to fall 15% in 2009, to $495 million, while US spending at Facebook is projected to rise 9%, to $230 million. Consequently, MySpace’s share of US spending is projected to fall to 43.4% in 2009, while Facebook and other social network venues will increase their share.

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Posted in Social Media Marketing | No Comments »