Do you have a Strong Online Network to tap into?

I recently came across this great post “Create your own social network,” which got me to thinking about the 101 ways I’ve tried to simultaneously create quality Black Websites and cost effective marketing outlets (the best cost being free). When you want to spread the word about what your doing without spreading yourself thin as far as finances you really need to work hard at Building your own Strong Internet Marketing Networks. As I’ve said before it’s great to make use of all the free groups or networks out there but it is even BETTER when you start to create your own, which is something I do not suggest everyone do if you are JUST doing it for the sake of more hits.

If you have a product are service that is your focus that you know EVERYTHING about, and have a great deal of expertise in you should definitely take advantage of creating a space in which to share your knowledge, connect with like minds, and ultimately create your own space to market your products and ideas at no/or very limited cost to you.

You can create such a space in a number of ways:

• Write a series of articles on your site, a blog, or submit them to sites that target your audience.
• Start your own news group – yahoo newsgroups are popular and easy to use, myspace is too
• Start a mailing list – I’ve noticed that quite a few folks use constant contact so they must be doing something right, I personally do my mailings myself – cuts down on the cost if your a techie/ web gal like myself
• Start your own social network as indicated by the article I mentioned above – I love ning.com but I had no idea that there were so many other sites to choose from
• Start a podcast, radio station, or youtube video page : Though I get quite a few radio interview requests, I have yet to really tap into the wonderful world of audio and video. I’m a typer at heart.
• Create your own web ring
• Create your own Top Site circle: Top Sista Sites is Quite Popular
• Create a Search Engine specific to your area of interest: I created Search Urban to promote Black Sites

I’ve done pratically everything on this list, because I’m a one web crazy woman, but I can’t say this enough, taking on the responsibility of creating a social circle is not for everyone, but it just might be for you IF you have the leadership qualities, knowledge, and genuine interest that is required to follow such a task through. If you do, then by all means go forth and create your own little world in cyber space. After all, we need more black socical circles and internet networks in so many different topics and genres. We need you.

Take Care
lh.