7 Truths of Social Networks

While mainstream use of Social Networks is only a few years old, it is well known how consumers use them. Besides, a few years is a generation in Internet parlance anyway.

Here are 7 truths of Social Networks that you can / must rely upon to help guide your thinking regardless of what you do with Social Media.

1. Social Networks is the preferred way for people in younger demographics to communicate with each other. Nothing else comes close!

2. It is based on the concept of friends, but that term today is very loosely applied. Similarly, profiles are loosely defined & can be used in a variety of ways by people, companies, brands, & so on.

3. The more active a consumer is on the internet, the more likely they will participate in multiple Social Networks. Often times, these people are influencers within a circle of friends & have a tremendous impact on the opinions of others.

4. Once information is shared on a Social Network, it is out there & can't easily be contained. Everything is out in the open & largely visible for other people to see.

5. Social Media is best applied in addition to existing internet marketing programs & alongside other web assets. When building a strategy, you must think comprehensively.

6. The rules are still being made. Social network "etiquette" is still relatively immature. Tread carefully.

7. The seventh & final truth involves the factors that contribute to usage. Everyone is motivated by a combination of one or more of the following human needs:

Love: Finding love, keeping up with loved ones, & so forth.

Self expression / Emotion: Sharing life's' details with friends.

Sharing opinion / Influencing friends: Using these Networks as a platform for influencing opinions, usually about politics, religion, or other things we don't typically debate in person.

Showing off: Sharing life's success & / or achievements with others.

Fun / Escapism / Humor: Using social media to get a good laugh.

Memories & Nostalgia: Catching up with old friends & sharing old friends.

Making Money: Using social media primarily to support professional pursuits.

From the above, one can infer that the motivation for using Facebook varies significantly depending on your customer. No Social Media can match Facebook's current momentum or broad international customer adoption. It hosts a range of Social applications and has been the market leader in Social Media since April 2008.