I have a MySpace account like most people these days, which I use in the way it was intended. Plain old social networking. I've enjoyed finding old friends and school mates, meeting new friends... and its a cool way to keep up with the teens in the family.
If you want to know what your kid is *really* like, check out their MySpace account (lol). From their photo and bio to their friends list... its an interesting way to see who they consider themselves and how they express it!
Anyway, the topic has come up numerous times lately about marketing on MySpace....
How exactly do you 'advertise' or promote in a social network where people tend to look over ads to get what they are actually there for?
Obviously I believe it can be done, or I wouldnt be asking. But I am asking the obvious to put it in perspective. People in tight knit social communities abhor spam and 'put up with' the site ads. How do you slip into this great pool of users and 'work it'?
There has to be an ebook on the topic by now, surely - right?
I get irritated by MySpace Spam myself. Friend requests from people like big-boobed Jenny or people who use their logo in place of a photo and have a domain name for a user name. Legitmate messages from people that want to 'talk', I read. Messages that even look like spam, I ignore.
Still, I hear there are people out there doing it successfully. Anyone have good resources on the topic? Maybe good threads in discussion forums, free reports, ebooks etc on MySpace Marketing? Do share!
Technorati Tags: myspace, my space, internet marketing, social networking, online communities
About Lynn Terry
I don't have a MySpace account. I assume my basic approach would work - you'll tell if it doesn't I'm sure. 😉
I like the subtle approach. Partly because I'm lazy and partly because it helps keep marketing efforts below the radar of vigilant webmasters. I spend time on getting to know the market sectors I want to reach. I participate on their discussion boards, go to their conferences, talk with industry pros and laborers alike. I build networks of people who know me, have seen me, know my name, know what I do, know someone who also knows me. I create familiarity and interest.
With an online community like MySpace, you build a reputation like on any forum. You can get away with dropping subtle hints at what you do for work (or whatever it is you're marketing). Leave a breadcrumb for them to find and a way to find the next one. People are curious. If you strike the right chord with them, they'll seek you out.
Speaking of Making money wih "My Space" there are two ads that propose to do just that (scroll up a little from the comments area)
Don't have a clue wether they work or not, jst that somebody has answered(or not) your question
You gotta love Adsense 😉
Lynn, I have recently heard through two ezines I subscribe to about a new book called "Social Bookmarking"
by Jean-Philippe Schoeffel
http://www.socialbookmarkingmadeeasy.com/
I won't mention the publisher who is offering a substantial discount to his subscribers here but I'm know you know him.
If you are subscriber you can purchase the book for $17.00
instead of $47.00
I can't comment on the book because I haven't read it yet but I
have purchased it and intend to read it soon.
Gord
Thanks for the link, Gord!
Feel free to email me some hints though - I'm scratching my head over which 'publisher' it might be 😉
Lynn
A large gas station chain gave 5 dollar gas cards all freind that had a picture of yourself infront of a station.
Hi Lynn,
I have a something 4 u ! 😉
The guy who did the "google slap" report, Dan Raine.
Well, he's been challenged by some chums of his,
and been making the challenge public.
I'm having a great time watching and learning,
as are lots of others.
And I'm sure it's worth checking out.
The reason I'm letting you know about it however,
is one of the methods he's using is MySpace!
A 'live' example!
The guy is also just a hoot to watch.
I'm sure you will enjoy it.
Check it out here:
http://www.15kchallenge.com/blog/
BE SURE to start at the beginning.
The challenge has been going for a little bit,
and the blog feeds you the most recent post first.
So you have to go back to the beginning to really follow it.
You can read about the challenge it's self here:
http://www.15kchallenge.com/
Enjoy!
Brad.
Hi Lynn,
I'm new to MySpace but I'm quickly becoming a fan. My subscriber rate has increased but what really has me excited is many of the marketers that I've been following for years are quickly becoming friends.
Speaking of friends, I was waiting on your friend acceptance Lynn but it looks like I broke one of your rules. I called my page ExtremeEzine rather than my name. I should have thought it through before I picked a name because I agree with you that it's social so it should be more personal.
I think these are a few ways to get traffic/customers:
1. Friends list
2. Friends comments
3. Picture comments
4. Bulletins
5. Forum
6. Classifieds
7. Groups
8. Blog posts
But I agree that the best way to market using MySpace is the same as with any business - Making friends and building relationships. I think that's what makes social networking fun and it doesn't feel like work or effort. The birthday feature is great. Take a genuine interest in others, show them you care and don't pressure anyone about your business.
I don't think there's anything wrong with telling everyone about your business or even making offers but some marketers send me the same messages everyday and post the same bulletins over and over.
That's my opinion but like I said I'm new at this and have a lot to learn. Great topic.
Thanks,
Brian