Social networking platforms are online social networking frameworks that allow any company or individual to build an online community according to their own needs and tastes.

The social networking platforms website market is full of variety due to the easy-to-deploy software as well as the popularity of large networking sites already in existence.

1. It will be easy to find social networking platforms information; the difficult part will be in deciding which one works best for your company.

2. As you start researching social networking platforms, create your own social networking platforms directory including what you can find today, then check to see how many still exist in six months. Choose a platform with staying power.

3. The key to a successful social networking platforms site is how well the online community is nurtured, and not the technology the site uses.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start your own online social network the easy way with social networking platforms providers

Hands-on experience is always a great learning tool, so why not jump in and try out a social networking platforms website for yourself? Find a few with different feature offerings. The knowledge you gain will be priceless and will help you find the right platform for your business needs. There are a lot of social networking platforms available, so comparison shopping won't be a problem.

I recommend: The Ning Platform offers the most current and customizable social networking features to meet your individual needs. Create a social network with the ONEsite Enterprise Platform, a provider that is comfortable launching social networking platforms for large companies that want scalable and robust social networks.

Learn about social networking platforms' product offerings

There are numerous social networking platforms ranging from simple and straightforward social communities to Web collaboration suites and platforms. Creating an instant community is easy, but it will be up to you to attract the audience you want.

I recommend: Download the Elgg social networking platform and utilize the flexible solutions for individuals, groups and organizations. Jive Software's Clearspace focuses on an approach to facility workforce networking and collaboration. Jive Software's Clearspace Community builds large online communities to engage customers and accelerate a business's marketing goals.

Keep pace with the ever-expanding social networking platforms market

Social networks are popping up all over the place and cater to different needs. Some online social networking platforms are direct and allow for simple online communities without many features. Other online social networking platforms offer many tools and range from simple-to-use to having robust plug-in applications.

I recommend: Plucks SiteLife social networking platform empowers your audience to contribute ideas, interests and expertise to your site. Traction Software's TeamPage allows for your employees to discuss, moderate and management documents in a secure internal environment by combining blog and wiki technologies in an enterprise-ready package.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Social networking platforms reach individuals and businesses. What you may not know is that academic and public libraries are also finding benefits to using social networking platforms.