How to Create Your Own Social Network

With the popularity of sites like MySpace and Facebook, many people wish to create their own social network. It's actually incredibly easy to get started. It just takes a little planning, advertising, and dedication.

~Purpose of the Network

What is the community's purpose? If you already know the purpose, then feel free to skip to the next section. However, if you're not sure, take a glance at the questions below to help you figure out what type of community you want.

-Are people coming together over a common cause or interest?

-Do you want a community for singles to find love?

-Is the community just a fun place to hang out and make friends?

-Is the community for business?

-Are people going to be sharing media?

By answering the questions above, you should be able to figure out what type of social network you want.

~Why Should People Join

So you want your own social network, but why should others choose to join you? You have to give them a good reason to join your community. Keep information about your community up to date and make the site look inviting. People love simple, but interesting sites, not something so complex they can't even figure out how to join.

Offer up plenty of options of users joining your community. The more freedom a person feels they have, the more likely they are to stick around. Make the community open and friendly. And most importantly, be active in your own community. Even a few people staying active can draw in hundreds and thousands of others in no time at all.

~Options to Consider

Depending on the type of community you're creating, you will need to decide on what features to offer. The following is typical list of features that make some of the largest online communities popular.

-Chat

-Message boards and forums

-Groups within a community

-Media sharing

-Blogs

-Personal page

-Choices on color, avatars, and privacy of a user's page

A good community doesn't need to have all of the above. Obviously, these things may or may not fit in with your ideal community. These features are simply common among the most popular online communities.

~Stick with Familiar Territory

If you're already part of a social network, use the current network to create your own sub-network. Groups are always being created within social networks. Instead of trying to do everything from scratch, it may be easier to use what you already have. This is also a great way to test the waters so to speak. If people love the group you create, then they may be willing to follow you when you create a completely separate social network.

~Getting Users

You've worked hard and created what you believe to be the perfect social network. However, without people, it's not exactly going to work. The time has come to draw in users. The first and most obvious thing is to advertise your community. Add a link to your signature when posting on forums and other websites. Make sure you are allowed to advertise your site before adding the link, however.

If you are already part of other communities, invite your friends on those sites to join your new community. Those friends will invite other friends and soon you will have new users flocking to check out your community everyday.

~Be Patient

An online community can take months or even years to become popular. Have realistic expectations. If your community is dedicated to a very obscure interest, you shouldn't expect millions to join. The hardest part of creating an online community is the patience involved. Stick with your plan and keep inviting and advertising. The hard work will pay off.

By following the tips above, you should have no problem starting your very own social network. It's a great way to meet new people, share interests, and just have fun from the comfort of your own home.