It takes no more than a quick peek at a list of the most popular and often visited websites to see how social networking sites reign supreme.  Facebook, Myspace and YouTube are all within the top five sites most visited, sitting only behind Yahoo and Google in popularity.  Sites like Twitter and Blogger are climbing rapidly. With social networking sites receiving such high traffic, it makes sense more than ever to include it in any successful internet business plan.

Media Genesis is currently using social networking sites to increase our client’s visibility, as well as our own, with a lot of varied and successful techniques.  We have set up Facebook pages for clients’ companies, and for some unique individual campaigns.  This winter, The Salvation Army and MG teamed up with Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock and player Darren McCarty to use their extensive social networks to promote the “Online Red Kettle” program encouraging donations to the Salvation Army.  Media Genesis created videos for Babcock, McCarty and several other advocates of The Salvation Army and the videos were then posted on YouTube.  By utilizing YouTube’s far reaching sphere of influence, we were able to reach more people than with traditional methods.

YouTube is proving to be an invaluable resource for those wanting to display videos without overhauling their website to allow for it, and with the ability to add information and new content in real time.  Facebook and LinkedIn can be utilized to present a fresh face and side to a business or non-profit – even a particular campaign – and reach new people in a fresh and more modern way.  Sites like Twitter, which sends out updates – short messages – in real time to subscribers via the web and mobile phones can be used to inform people immediately of news worthy events, promotions, or just fun information that creates a closer bond between client and customer.  MG client Belle Tire is currently utilizing Twitter to inform customers of new sales and promotions.

Lastly, more and more companies are building social networking features into their own sites.  Customizable profile pages, for example, allow people to have more of a vested interest in visiting a site more often, as well as interact with other users.

The numbers don’t lie – in the last year, social networking sites have continued to climb in popularity.  The most popular features for mobile phones are social network related, and in the last year, mobile phone visits to social networking sites has risen almost 500 percent.  For organizations trying to reach new people and keep hold of those they currently have, social networking has provided an answer.

To get a better understanding of how to use social media, contact Media Genesis at inquiry@mediaG.com.

Or, friend us on Facebook and Twitter!