So…
What do you think about the fact that Facebook is losing members? Will this affect the way you run your online business?
So the latest rumor (or statistical fact) is that Facebook is losing members. I’ve heard all sorts of numbers regarding this, but over the last couple months over 7 millions users have deactivated their facebook accounts and the overall growth has slowed considerably. I know, a few million accounts here and there isn’t going to change the fact that Facebook is the dominant force in social networking.
However, it does make you realize something from a business standpoint…
As a business owner it really surprises me when I see other business owners that are completely depending on their Facebook page to represent their company. In other words, they do not have an actual company website, they just have a Facebook page and a Twitter account. Kinda scary if you ask me. Why? Because Facebook will go away, eventually. Not any time soon, mind you, but eventually it will. There will be something to take it’s place at the forefront, just like the thousands of sites before it. Same with Twitter.
I guess what I’m getting at is that as a business owner, or an online marketer, you have to have your own place on the internet. You have to have your OWN website. And of course you have to have your own email address. Put it this way… your website is like the roof over your head, and your email is like your phone number. Essential. Without your own website, you are homeless. Without an email address, you’re completely disconnected.
Point: If you do not have your own website, you need to set one up. Now.
Facebook, and other websites like it, are what I would call ‘non-essential’ services on the internet. They are fun, addictive, interesting, and interactive. But the existance of these websites is not essential to the operation of the internet. Your opinion may differ, this is my opinion talking.
The world wide web is built on two fundamental and essential things: the ability to host websites, and email service.
That’s all there is. Anything else is an added service. Facebook is an added service, as is MySpace, Twitter and all the rest. It’s important that you take the time to create your own home on the web. It’s important for both your short term, and long term success.
Of course I’m not saying that you shouldn’t do business through social networking sites. Absolutely use what’s out there to drive traffic. But don’t use them as your “home base”. USE them to drive traffic TO your home base, do not do it the other way around. There’s no value in sending your traffic to Facebook. You need to use Facebook as it is to connect with people.. to drive them FROM Facebook to your own site – that’s where the value is in social networking.
What do YOU think?
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– Geoff Stephen