Create Your Own Social Network

If you have ever wanted to build your own social network site but thought it would be too hard, you might be pleasantly surprised. There are a ton on new social networking platforms springing up that may make it possible to get your own social network site going a lot quicker than you think.

Now these sites may not make it possible to compete with the likes of Facebook or Myspace, however there is still some opportunity to create a web presence around your own niche market…

Looks like someone already beat you to the, “Ask a Ninja,” niche. Approaching 5000 members the, Ask a Ninja Ning site is proof that even small niches can be popular.

Here’s a few of the biggest Web 2.0 social networking platforms for creating your own site:

1. Ning - http://www.ning.com/

Ning will have your social network site up in running fast. Similar to a Blogger blog, free Ning sites are all linked to the central hub. This can be a blessing or a curse depending on how popular your Ning site is. The most popular sites are featured most prominently. As of this writing there are over 6500 Ning sites in operation.

2. CrowdVine - http://www.crowdvine.com/home

Similar to the Ning network, Crowdvine is easy to set up. Crowdvine can even allow you to incorporate RSS feeds to update from your blog, other social network sites or photo stream.

3. KickApps - http://www.kickapps.com/

KickApps offers users a vast range of features including Widget support, guest books, video feeds and a lot more. One of the more feature laden of the up and coming social networking platforms.

4. GoingOn - http://www.goingon.com/

GoingOn allows you to set up an interactive blogging platform with many features such as blogging search tagging and feeds.

5. Me - http://www.me.com/

The Me.com concept gives you the tools to create your own social network site around your passions and splits 50% of the revenue your site generates with you.

6. CollectiveX - http://www.collectivex.com/

With CollectiveX you can create an online community around you product, blog, interest or publication.

7. PeopleAggregator - http://www.peopleaggregator.net/homepage.php

The PeopleAggregator site was created in order to allow you to edit store and share all of your digital information in one place. You can use it to manage your friends, groups and content.

8. Elgg - http://elgg.org/

Elgg is an open source social networking platform that brings together some of the best resources commonly found on popular social networks. With Elgg you can create communities of specialized targeted networks.

All of the sites above can get you started with your own social networking website. Do you know of any social networking sites not listed here? Leave a comment and let me know which is your favorite social networking platform.

Posted in Social Networking, Viral Marketing