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Do you believe in the power of social networking?

Social media is not just a fad but a vessel to reach a wider audience. A site without readers is powerless, which is why bloggers and internet marketers are advised to build quality network to ensure quality traffic. Quality connections assure your well-written posts be heard and spread – a vital rule for a site to grow and be known.

8 Things To  Consider While Building a Quality Network

1. Determined and Clear About Your Goals

- One has to be clear about the purpose of the network. There’s a huge crowd in every social media site: some joining it for fun, some as an outlet while some are looking for business ventures. Be clear of your objectives before reaching out so you’ll have a clear idea on the ample time and effort spent in network building.

2. Research on The Power Users

- Do you know how power users utilize social networks in their area of expertise? How they started? What social media they’re using to reach the desired crowd? You don’t have to be a copycat but by learning how they did it, you’ll have a lead where to start and modify your strategy from there. Same trick may not give you the same result, so always be prepared for trials and initiate a better one to fit your needs.

3. Identify Your Potential Audiences

- A simple question: Now why do we see promoters loitering around the mall capturing potential customers? Apart from traffic, it’s the place where consumers most likely to spend on something. You don’t see shopaholic hanging out in the clinic, do you? Identify your potential audiences within a social network, whether it’s a forum or a particular chatroom. Gain access and start contributing in frequency and quality.

4. Be Distinctive & Noticeable

- The idea of being you, and no one else! Representing your own, unique brand and your site, be outspoken but with respect; share an experience or an insightful comment on a post you just came across. Initiate a conversation or ask a question if you’re not sure about the answer. Don’t be quiet in a network unless you wish to be buried and never be found.

5. Patience & Forget About Number’s Game

Taking part in all of the social media sites might not give you the results you hope for. Here’s why:

A) 10 social media sites (1 hour/day) = 6 minutes per site

  • A quick drop of ‘visit my blog’, ‘I’m updating my post’ or ‘Just got back from work’ won’t excite people. Not to mention sometimes you tend to spend longer at a site and lost track of time. What if it affects your work quality, or causes procrastinations?

B) 3 social media sites (1 hour/day) = 20 minutes per site

  • Have in depth conversations with your peers. Do you know a person better by following their updates and respond accordingly? Definitely.

No network can be built without even willing to spend time and listen to someone. Unless you’re super connective and humorous to grab people’s attention. In that case, it’s a gift, use it wisely.

Spend ample time and care about others, only then people will care about what you’re sharing. Be patient as quality network takes time. Forget about ‘number’s game’ and focusing on quality network building.

6. Be Helpful & Sincere

We all love kind and sincere individuals. When I was just a new blogger, I remembered clearly who helped me and encouraged me along the way. Their names are vivid in my mind even till today. To help someone is a great experience. While you get to make some new friends, you can learn something in return. Do not expect repayments but be sincere. I never see prestigious bloggers urging people to thank them or hold a grudge at someone for unwilling to promote their products. Humility is a wonderful virtue and shall be prolonged in any social networks.

7. Quality Posts & Return Favors

If you’re a blogger, writing killer blog posts is the best way to grab attention. Learn to be the authority within your niche. Providing quality presentations while active in replying comments. Continue the blog networking elsewhere by repaying visits or supporting your commentators on other social networks. A healthy network is all about mutual support and encouragement, but not until someone uses it to manipulate the intention of this good will. For example, don’t reward link droppers or spammers with your favors.

8. Enjoy the Process

Most of all, enjoy the process and have fun with it. In my experience, quality network building is what ensures the satisfaction and friendships I have today, which I valued more than just a popular post. The supports are on-going and mutual trusts are built from within. There’s no popular contest on the run here so take your time! Unless you’re looking for fast traffic, then I’m afraid it’s the quantity game you’re aftering.

It’s Your Turn
What do you value most in a social network? Do you have anything else to add besides what mentioned above? Kindly share it in the comments.

wchingya

Guest post:

Ching Ya is a social media addict & freelance writer/designer. She’s the author of Social @ Blogging Tracker where she talks about ideas & apps related to social networking. You can reach her at @wchingya (Twitter), Facebook and LinkedIn.

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  • thanx for better written blog and sharing good knowledge on great description of the opportunities for social networks.
  • Vessel,
    Thank you for your kind words. We're all in the process of learning. I'm glad you like the post.
  • Nice post.
    It is more difficult than it seems though. I am trying to male my network, www.OnlineCouples.com, successful and sometimes it becomes a frustrating process. I think the 'be patient' part should be repeated again and again.
    Sometimes you can have a great network and blog, but that is not enough. You need to get out there and spread the word, which could be very tiring!
  • Santiago,
    That's very true. There are thousands of blogs been created each day around the world. To make yours stand out and be heard requires some skills. Social media is providing the platform, we just need to be patient enough to plan, try and analyze to make things happen. I'm sure you'll be able to make it, just hang in there. Best wishes.
  • You make some excellent points here, I think your phrase, "a vessel to reach a wider audience" is just a great description of the opportunities for social networks. I also enjoyed reading your main points. I think that a clear and definite plan is necessary when you decide to start a social network for business purposes. If you don't set a goal, you won't know the real reasons for joining. I also agree that you need to be sincere with your clients and have longer conversations with them in order to make them feel welcomed and cared about, which can transfer into more sales.
  • Well said. Social network is all about communicating, especially to an audience we yet to know well. Listen first, talk later - to me, is one of the most essential customer-oriented requirements. It's the same advise for every aspects.
  • Great list there ! can't stress the importance of enjoying the process and i would add ... "keep on it - don't hibernate without posts for a long period always keep your blog fresh with new posts"
  • M.Bamieh,
    Thank you so much and that's a good add-up. I agree, fresh content is always welcoming; at least 1-2 posts a week.
  • Thank you Ching for the nice post regarding quality network.
  • Thanks so much for visiting Crusher. Glad you enjoy the post.
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