Tim Smith's Web Design Articles

I am constantly in contact with new clients who are lost in this labyrinth of an internet we have. They want to know what is popular, hip, mainstream and so forth. For anyone who uses the internet daily or even semi-casually, you may already know much of what this article contains. I dedicate this to those of you who are lost and desire to make your presence on the Internet in 2010. I will lay a very basic groundwork for you of the most essential internet outlets you will need to be familiar with.

Today’s Internet consists of two main categories – Social and Business.

Social web sites can be for work just as much as they are for play, however I will not divulge into that. The following sites are extremely important for building your friend networks and starting your internet presence:

- Facebook: The top of the social network ladder. Start here to get in touch with old and new friends, co-workers, etc.

- Myspace: Myspace has fallen behind Facebook in terms of their networking status. However, Myspace offers a rich multimedia environment that no other social network compares to. Top celebrities and artists use Myspace as their main point of contact with fans and the world.

- Twitter: A double edged sword. Extremely useful if you use it, pointless if not. Twitter does not assist you in making new connections so you have to be willing to spend some time promoting and learning the Twitter lingo.

- Flickr: The main photography social networking site on the internet.

- Blip: My personal favorite music networking site. I admit it lacks the network capabilities of some sites, but it is just plain fun and easy to use.

The internet has evolved into quite a networking tool on the business end also. Many websites have popped up recently that may be used to promote one’s business or self. Become familiar with these sites and see your network and client list expand:

- Linked In: The best of the best in business networking. Be there or be square.

- Facebook: Facebook offers a pretty sweet array of tools for businesses. Free promotion, easy networking, easy to integrate items from your website, the list goes on.

- Twitter: Twitter is a very efficient marketing tool. So efficient it can actually be annoying in the wrong hands. Kind of like an online telemarketer.

- Monster/CareerBuilder: Many people have neglected these old tools. Caught up in the popularity of social networking sites, businesses haven’t put time into these sites.

And of course, anyone wanting to build their online presence NEEDS A WEBSITE.
Contact me for further consultation or to get started building your presence online!