For
the last 10 years, we have seen an amazing increase when it comes to online
social networking. It has become part of our culture, and up to a point, that
is difficult to remember about that time without MySpace, Facebook, or Twitter.
Even many the other websites have integrated the system of “sharing” their
articles, videos, and information, on the social networking sites. One might
think that the only social networking websites that exist are the most popular
we all hear about, but there are so many of them, and with different formats. Somehow,
almost every online user is linked to one of these, or in many cases, to
several at the same time! Nowadays, it is so common to hear: “I have a Facebook
account, also a Twitter, a Tumblr, and a LinkedIn account…”
Now,
what is it that has made these websites so successful? What is their major risk? Is it new
trends or maybe loosing popularity?
At what point do the users get tired of them?
Tumblelogging
Tumblr is a social media
platform created by David Karp
in 2007. This Website was created as a microblogging platform, but it also
serves as a social networking site, which has made it stand out from many other
regular blog sites. Tumblr users describe the site as addictive, easy to use,
and what they love the most about it, is the concept of “fast-blogging”.
One
of the things that has made this website so successful, is the fact that users
feel they can express themselves in an easy way, they can be creative, and
above all things, the fact that many other users around the world can
appreciate their blogs by “following” or “sharing”. For them is fulfilling the
fantasy of “being followed”, as I called this phenomenon. We all human have the
need of attention, admiration, and popularity. This is what is so genius about
Tumblr. Its founder knew that when you combine easiness, blogging, and a full
network of people willing to see and share your posts, in which you can express
whatever you want with no limits, the results of this would be millions of
users!
Talking About Business…
Talking About Business…
Once a person gets
addicted and used to an interactive website like Tumblr, the consumer loyalty
grow by itself. But in order to prevent a decline like many other sites did in
the past (do you remember about hi5?), the site would have
to keep bringing interesting features to be able to maintain the consumers
engaged, and build stronger customer relationships. New ideas and benefits for
the users will keep them excited and satisfied. One good strategy is that of
celebrities joining social networking sites. Twitter has gained millions of users
just because of the fact that many wanted to “follow” the celebrities that had
a Twitter account. As well as with Tumblr, in which even the very own President
Obama has his blog!
Many other sites will come
to play as competitors, and try to gain the users. Nowadays we can see the
strong competition among social networking sites. So, what is the key to keep
in business? Creativity and Uniqueness.
By analyzing all the sites,
I would draw the conclusion that what consumers really pursue is the freedom of
self- expression, with a combination of media, customizable elements, and
again, easiness. A successful social platform is the one that makes the user
feel like that is HIS or HER website.
Winning phrases? “ Join ME
on Facebook”, “ Follow MY Tumblr”,
“Follow ME on Twitter”.
By the way, you can visit my Tumblr here
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