When building a social network, niche social networking may be the key to user retention. Developing a social network like MySpace or Facebook would entail a hefty amount of resources, and odds of success are slim. However, developing a social network targeted to a niche audience would garner greater results in less-saturated, targeted markets.
For example, take a look at Doggyspace, a social network for dog owners. Doggyspace allows dog owners from all over the world to come together, create profiles, and share photos and videos of their pups.
The site originates in Virginia. The site is part of a growing trend of niche, or content-focused, social networking sites that target interest groups looking to connect with like-minded people.
Utilizing a niche social network provides an immediate connection with the other users on the site. As opposed to other mainstream social networking sites that are more-or-less a directory of user information, niche social sites offer users an immediate topic of discussion.
Fred Stutzman, an Internet researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill said many people are using more general social networking sites but also signing up for sites like Doggyspace that offer a more focused experience that can provide help and support on specific issues and go beyond traditional message boards.
Or how about CookEatShare? This social network "connects you to the worlds best recipes, ideas and chefs." Use CookEatShare to: - Find the world's highest rated recipes
- Share recipes with your friends and family
- Connect with the worlds best chefs and subscribe to their recipes
- Organize and manage your own recipes
If your organization offers products or services to a specific audience, developing a niche social network may be a worthwhile method of attracting interested user groups. A social site like this would have to allow users typical social networking capabilities, but it would also allow your organization to see who may be interested in your products and services.
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