Original Social Networking Superstars
About a year ago, when you typed anything into Google, there would inevitably be an entry from MySpace right up there on the top of the results. It was annoying, because the results were usually less than useful, but it made MySpace the place to be seen online - even for business owners.
Times change, however, and it hasn’t been that way for a while now, because when the Google algorithm re-calibrated, the shining star known as MySpace went from belle of the ball back to Cinderella washing the floors. Now finding a MySpace entry on Google is filed under “fat chance” status and the days of page one news are a memory. MySpace is still a great place to network, but now it is a social network you start from and move out from, not one you move into from other areas of the ‘net.
And then came Squidoo.
After MySpace there was Squidoo. Squidoo basically owned the front page of Google for any term that was really popular on Squidoo. Seth Godin was pleased, Squidoo lensmasters were pleased, and everyone thought this would last forever.
Well, it didn’t.
Google did another recalibration and now Squidoo is no longer the darling of page one. Squidoo is still popular - it has the best method for niching currently available on the web. You can make a really focused one page lens on something and link to it from other social networking sites as an expert report or review on the content of the lens. The site has a clean look and manages to not be too overbearing with the ads, so I haven’t lost all hope for using Squidoo effectively, even if they were sent to the back of the line in terms of Google search.
Current Contenders
Now we’re seeing Biznik and ZoomInfo and Naymz coming up on page one for names of colleagues and loved ones. I can tell you right off that ZoomInfo and Naymz aren’t going to stay on page one. They are scraper sites that pull names from the Internet and pull web search RSS feeds into the page. You are placed on the site without permission and are told you have to claim your name in order to update or make sure the information on “your” page is legitimate and accurate. Google doesn’t like scraping, I don’t like scraping, I’m pretty sure you’re not a big fan either – that basically makes it a no brainer that these sites are going to be relegated to the back of the line with the next recalibration.
Biznik is a nice site. Mostly solopreneurs and very small business, and it pushes the local focus. If people start picking it up outside of the Biznik Washington base, it could really get going. They have a great tagline too, “Business networking that doesn’t suck.” I like it. My question is, why would I pay Biznik to use their name, when I could just start a networking group of my own? It seems that other than the name and the ability to advertise your event on Biznik…they’re not offering any kind of structure or other tips.
I hope that Biznik stays on the top of the charts when Google re-calibrates again. There are some really good people over there that have great advice.
Time Tested Sites
I’ve noticed over the last year that there are two social networking sites that have stood the test of time and still pop up on page one for Google search. LinkedIn and Meetup. This isn’t entirely positive. I went through a phase for about a minute where I wanted to find a Meetup group for the Law of Attraction (hey, we were all there for a minute or two, weren’t we?) It still comes up as something I’m looking for, but I’ve added enough new sites and kept old ones updated enough that it usually comes up on page two of Google instead of in the page one sweet spot. I mean, just because I was interested in something in passing doesn’t mean I want anyone that decides to “Google Background Check” my name to know about it.
LinkedIn is one that I hope will never fall off of the first page. It’s a professional network (even though I know at least ten people who use it for fun) where I have expert status, recommendations for every company I have owned or worked for over the last five years, and connects me with the people I’ve met at networking events over the last year.
I add the profile link to proposals, because then potential clients can see the recommendations and references in one easy spot. It makes me look good, and that is one of the main goals of social networking, to mix being friendly and looking like you’re at the top of your game.
Google’s love affair with LinkedIn seems strong, and I can only hope they don’t have a nasty breakup in the coming months. It is a quality site and I’d really like to see it retain the high status it currently enjoys.
Jennifer Gniadecki is an active blogger and social networker. She can be found at her Blog, Twitter, LinkedIn, and a bunch of other social networking sites. You can even send an email.
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Social Networking Sites
0 opinions for Original Social Networking Superstars
No one has left a comment yet. You know what this means, right? You could be first!
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: