With social media being one of the most promising markets, lots of people now want to learn how to create a social media website. Though the competition in this segment may seem quite intimidating, the rapid development of technology makes it possible for more entrepreneurs to find their place in the sun.

The reasons behind one’s striving to build a social media website vary from person to person. Some people create social media apps to practice their programming or web design skills, some want to promote their business using their own social media, while others dream of turning their website into a remunerative venture that won’t be inferior to famous Instagram or Facebook in terms of its popularity, profitability, and overall potential. There are also the enthusiasts, who just want to reach people sharing similar interests, careers, or hobbies through their own social networking sites. Regardless of the motives underlying your decision to start up a social media platform, you want to ensure your startup is a success. Though there’s no universal recipe to success, you can take advantage of some standard recommendations that can help you make your own social network platform.

Offer Something New. Solve the Problem

One of the most common mistakes lots of beginner developers make is fail to ascertain the uniqueness and originality of the product they’re about to create. Make no mistake, the world doesn’t need another networking website like Facebook, Reddit, or Instagram. What it does need is something fresh and original, something that can solve the existing problem. So before trying to figure out how to build a social network website from scratch, first think about what problems your product can help people solve. It’s necessary that you find a problem that you know exists or better yet you’ve experienced it firsthand. Ideally, this should be a niche area you’re truly passionate about, as this is going to be something that you want to be able to do in day out for the foreseeable future.

→ Why Google+ Failed

Let’s use an example. You’re interested in protecting our shared environment for future generations. You know that the huge environmental issue is waste, both landfill and recyclable for various reasons. So the problem you’d like your new social media application or platform to solve is decreasing waste or raise environmental awareness among people with the help of like-minded people making up your audience. Your app or website can go a long way in promoting eco-mindfulness and sustainability. You can use your creation to help users in identifying local illegal dumpsites and eliminating them. On your site, like-minded people may share their opinion on how to improve ecology or reduce our ecological footprint on the planet.

Choose the Type of Social Media

So, you’ve found your idea and validated it through meticulous research. You’ve got off to a good start! Next, you need to figure out what type of social media you’ll be most comfortable with. But let’s take a look at different types of social networking sites first.

● Social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Fun4Biz). The primary goal of social networking sites is to help people establish connections with other people or brands. Social networking resources make it possible to share thoughts, opinions, and personal experiences. The ability to upload photos, images, and videos is inarguably the most valued feature in such sites, which allows people not only to stay in touch but also open their private life to public.

→ Innompics vs. Traditional Social Networks

● Social review sites (e.g., TripAdvisor, Angie’s List, and Yelp) Such websites aim to help users form their opinion about certain products or services and make buying decisions based on other customers’ reviews and feedback.

● Discussion Forums (e.g., Quora, Reddit, and Digg). Discussion forums facilitate discussions and help users maintain a dialogue. People use these online resources to share opinions, discuss news, find information, and ask for advice.

→ Social Networking Site (SNS) for Students

● Social shopping networks (e.g., Etsy, Fancy, and Polyvore). Social shopping platforms are designed to assist people in reaching and following brands, spotting trends, and buying services and products.

Based on your own preferences and interests, you can make a social media website that will bring together environmental activists, art collectors, eager to purchase exquisite vintage figurines, or shopaholics searching for designer clothes. Or you may want to start a social network that will facilitate the flow of philosophical ideas or the spread of public knowledge and will surpass the success of such popular discussion forums as Reddit or Stack Flow.

Be passionate about what you’re doing and employ your creativity. All this will help you pick the right type of social media and make your venture a success.

Define Core Features

Building a social network from scratch isn’t an easy undertaking. You need to figure out what tools and social components you need add to your website to meet the needs and wants of your audience. Therefore, we recommend that you enlist the support of professional web developers and designers that know how to build a social media website that will attract a loyal fan base in the shortest possible time.

Think of the features that will facilitate interaction and ease connectivity when developing your site. Among the common options that are rightly considered must-haves for any social media platform are discussion forums, chats, photo and video sharing, status updates, integration with other social networking sites, user support, and security. Furthermore, you need to provide your users with seamless navigation tools and user-friendly interface. You app or site will benefit greatly from the features allowing users to customize their profiles and give live updates on what’s on their mind or what they’re doing. Consider offering special fonts, symbols, smileys, emojis, and filters that will help users express themselves and stand out from the crowd.

→ The Heart of Online Business

Consider SEO

Another part of the entire website building process that is often overlooked is SEO. This has to do with how high your social media site will show up in Google results. To give your site the best shot at success, start thinking about Google before your start creating your site. It’s important that you identify and use relevant key phrases throughout your website and online advertising channels you’re using to promote your site. Google will soon spot these words and place your site in the relevant search results. As a result, more people will discover your website and start using it.

Find Followers Before Creating a Website

One of the biggest myths in ecommerce and in any business really is the idea that “if you build it they will come.” So creating a website and waiting for users isn’t the right way to go about it. We suggest that you start promoting your social media website through another social media website. Try Instagram, which is by far the most powerful marketing platform where you can build an audience for free or with the minimal budget I you use techniques like shoutouts or Instagram influences. So determine the type of followers you want to attract to your website and start reaching to them. You want your content to be relevant and valuable to your target audience. Also, you need to collaborate with influencers or other accounts in your niche for shoutouts. Don’t forget to post consistently. Thus, you’ll be able to amass a greater following sooner and get more people to start using your social networking site.

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