Creating a Social Network
After a few months of research on all the Social Networks out there I have decided to write this to provide a simple guideline on how to become successful in the online world of Socializing.
There are a few things to consider before jumping the gun since first impression last forever and you will certainly want to make a great impression if you're planning to make your network successful and very popular.
Script: The internet is loaded with tons of Social Network scripts for you to choose from but you can spend months trying to find the perfect one for your development. It took some time for me to realize what script was taking the market and most of all, the support, security, plugins and customization offered by the company and also independent developers.
Wordpress and Joomal both has open source platform if you're on a low budget or planning to go basic.
Here are a few Scripts you could look into that are not free but provide excellent support and security:
Web Hosting: Finding the perfect scrip is just as important as the perfect host for your social network development. Most Hosting company provides unlimited packages and we all get excited because of the word "unlimited" but that's the tricky part. Unlimited does not mean Unlimited CPU, RAM, MYSQL Usage and all the features required for you to run a steady platform where your members has a real smooth user experience and network to socialize on. Try finding a host that offers specialize Social Network hosting which provides and understand the requirements to develop your network.
I have worked with a few different servers for clients developing Social networks from JustHost, BlueHost, Godaddy and more but none really provide a true shared web server for you to operate your development as they all had limitations on CPU, RAM & MYSQL which will result in your site being suspended and followed by an email stating that you have to upgrade to a VPS or Dedicated Server. After going through some so called Social Network hosting, I found one that offers Shared Dedicated hosting which has no limitations at all. I was very surprised and thought this was just some form of marketing strategy. So I decided to purchase their basic package ($10/month) just to test before I commit too much. Wow it was like running my own server for the price of shared hosting. The server was fast and the load time made a Hugh difference with no limitations more than the web space and domains hosted.
It would make no sense for you to read this far and I don't reveal the perfect Social Network Host, ok here it is "www.iriehost.com" you can certainly try before committing too much at first but I can guarantee that you will love the new server experience.
Customization: I certainly recommend getting you site customize to match your specific niche content since all the above mentioned script comes with a default theme that makes you look like everyone else. This will also help you develop your brand and make your site very unique from the rest of networks out there. Try not to look like facebook as they are already the boss of this game. Be unique and this will pay off.
Try to find a developer that is willing to work with you on a long term basis as the world of social network is loaded with bugs and competitors trying to get your site down so they can rise above you.
Grow small and don't try to give your users all the features at once as they will get bored easily and force you to come with new ideas when your aim is to grow. Work your way up and take it one day at a time.
Advertising: Try not to load your site with ads or force your members to click ads for your benefits. Advertising will come once you're popular in the game. There are so many companies out there that will pay you for an advert but you need to have plenty members with high amount of hits and new user registration on a daily basis so relax and make your network grow.
Thanks for reading my article and I hope your site becomes the next big Network so you can include my article J have fun and make your site unique with friendly user experience.
There are a few things to consider before jumping the gun since first impression last forever and you will certainly want to make a great impression if you're planning to make your network successful and very popular.
Script: The internet is loaded with tons of Social Network scripts for you to choose from but you can spend months trying to find the perfect one for your development. It took some time for me to realize what script was taking the market and most of all, the support, security, plugins and customization offered by the company and also independent developers.
Wordpress and Joomal both has open source platform if you're on a low budget or planning to go basic.
Here are a few Scripts you could look into that are not free but provide excellent support and security:
- SocialGo Free version is good enough, but if you want to have great features, extra storage and bandwidth for your domain, you can choose Premium Version and start 30 days trial here.
- phpFox is proud of the development community, which has brought all the great hacks, modules, plug-ins and themes to their clients. At phpFoX they'll do anything and everything in their power to keep their customers happy.
- Social Engine is social network software that helps you build your own customized community websites. Start simple, or go feature-rich with plugins. This script is been used by many networks out there as its very easy to customize and they are new developers rising each day to help make your site 100 customize to match your specific target network(My Favourite)
Web Hosting: Finding the perfect scrip is just as important as the perfect host for your social network development. Most Hosting company provides unlimited packages and we all get excited because of the word "unlimited" but that's the tricky part. Unlimited does not mean Unlimited CPU, RAM, MYSQL Usage and all the features required for you to run a steady platform where your members has a real smooth user experience and network to socialize on. Try finding a host that offers specialize Social Network hosting which provides and understand the requirements to develop your network.
I have worked with a few different servers for clients developing Social networks from JustHost, BlueHost, Godaddy and more but none really provide a true shared web server for you to operate your development as they all had limitations on CPU, RAM & MYSQL which will result in your site being suspended and followed by an email stating that you have to upgrade to a VPS or Dedicated Server. After going through some so called Social Network hosting, I found one that offers Shared Dedicated hosting which has no limitations at all. I was very surprised and thought this was just some form of marketing strategy. So I decided to purchase their basic package ($10/month) just to test before I commit too much. Wow it was like running my own server for the price of shared hosting. The server was fast and the load time made a Hugh difference with no limitations more than the web space and domains hosted.
It would make no sense for you to read this far and I don't reveal the perfect Social Network Host, ok here it is "www.iriehost.com" you can certainly try before committing too much at first but I can guarantee that you will love the new server experience.
Customization: I certainly recommend getting you site customize to match your specific niche content since all the above mentioned script comes with a default theme that makes you look like everyone else. This will also help you develop your brand and make your site very unique from the rest of networks out there. Try not to look like facebook as they are already the boss of this game. Be unique and this will pay off.
Try to find a developer that is willing to work with you on a long term basis as the world of social network is loaded with bugs and competitors trying to get your site down so they can rise above you.
Grow small and don't try to give your users all the features at once as they will get bored easily and force you to come with new ideas when your aim is to grow. Work your way up and take it one day at a time.
Advertising: Try not to load your site with ads or force your members to click ads for your benefits. Advertising will come once you're popular in the game. There are so many companies out there that will pay you for an advert but you need to have plenty members with high amount of hits and new user registration on a daily basis so relax and make your network grow.
Thanks for reading my article and I hope your site becomes the next big Network so you can include my article J have fun and make your site unique with friendly user experience.
Source...