The term “social network” is synonymous with Facebook, although the big-picture concept applies to most major social sites.
The purpose of social networking is pretty straightforward: that is, to provide users a platform to connect with others. Of the various types of social media, networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn represent the bread and butter of modern marketers. After all, these sites put marketers on a level playing field with their clients, customers and leads when it comes to, well, networking.
In short, social networking sites encourage users to:
Post, share and respond to each other’s content. From blog posts to infographics and beyond, just about any form of content is welcome
Directly connect with others. Whether as friends or fans, an engaged social following signals clout for marketers and brands alike
Form communities and discuss relevant news within those communities
So, what do social networking sites look like in action?
Facebook
Boasting well over 1.2 billion daily active users, Mark Zuckerberg’s brainchild put the concept of social networking on the map. Facebook’s diverse demographics cover just about every location, age group and level of income, making it a prime hub for personal and professional connections alike. As a result, Facebook ads have become a goldmine for marketers as just about any audience is already built into the platform.
Twitter
Emphasizing bite-sized content and updates, Twitter gives users the ability to connect with just about anyone in an instant.
Brands. Celebrities. Customers. You name it.
Don’t let the 140-character limit fool you, though: Twitter is a potential powerhouse for mobile marketers. In the right hands, the platform represents an incredibly powerful branding tool.
From responding to customer concerns to getting in touch with influencers, there’s a reason why nearly half of marketers agree that Twitter is the best platform for customer engagement.
