Social Networking Showdown: Facebook

Originally, I wasn’t a fan of Facebook. We had MySpace, why did we need a new social networking site for young adults. I first learned about Facebook before it was even available in most places – my college wasn’t in the first wave of colleges to get Facebook access. I thought it was a dumb idea that I’d never use.

Man, was I wrong.

Yes, Facebook is similar to MySpace, but it has grown to be so much more. The interface is just better, and it is more focused on information, rather than customizing the design of your page. You’re automatically part of a group when you sign up (be it your college or your city), which makes it instantly easier to connect to people. There are also tons of interactive options, far beyond what is offered on MySpace, and they even had a feed function, which is similar to Twitter.

I’ve become a fan, needless to say.

But even though I love Facebook for personal purposes, that doesn’t mean it is perfect for business purposes. Or is it?

You should use Facebook if…

…you want to connect.

Originally, Facebook wasn’t very conducive for organizations or businesses. Now, it welcomes us with open arms. You can create a page for your website, asking people to be your “fans” (rather than “friends,” as you would with your personal page). You can also create groups or join groups. Once you start gathering fans, you can send them messages like you would on MySpace, or you can post messages to your wall, which is a Twitter-like effect.

You should use Facebook. Period.

There are applications that can help you as a writer, promoting your site automatically. You can also work with developers to create special Facebook features – applications of your own.

How to Best use Facebook

Facebook is simply enough for the non-techie who wants a profile page that they rarely have to update. It is also advanced enough to really make your website shine if you put in daily effort.

Facebook will work for you best if you’re an active member of the community. The great thing about this social networking site is that you can just set it up and forget about it. It’s kind of like MySpace in that respect. However, to really drive traffic, you have to be active, keeping up with your fans to promote your work.

You’ll be quick to be un-fanned or even banned on Facebook if you start spamming people. MySpace is a bit overrun by spam, and on Facebook, they keep you on a shorter list. Instead of constantly messaging people, I recommend making use of the feed feature. You can update your status to include pictures, videos, links, and more.

Disadvantages of Facebook

I’m a huge fan of Facebook, so I don’t have many negative comments to make. I will say that, although growing in popularity for older users, Facebook is still a medium that is most used by people under the age of 40. So, like with Facebook, it might not be your primary form of social networking if you run a website about retirement. It’s also a site more grounded in hobbies, political interests, society, etc – not business and news. Though, really, it depends on your specific topic. Take a look around before you spend the time to sign up.

Another thing I’ve noticed with Facebook? The traffic isn’t through the roof. It is ok – definitely worth making a page, but it isn’t going to knock your socks off. Facebook can be fickle at times.

Summary

Use Facebook if…

…you want to promote a website or business.

…you’re willing to be part of a larger community.

Do Not Use Facebook if…

…you truly have a topic that can’t find an audience on Facebook (the number of topics in this category is growing smaller every day).

This post is part of the Social Neworking Showdown here at Bizzia. Check back throughout September for more posts about social networking sites.

Image via Flickr.