Need Marketing Advice?

[Stark]

I've officially started a social Website 2 years ago but it's seems impossible to get people to start using it because no one stays on it long enough due to the lack of users participating. Need marketing advice on how to get a social network started and keep people at interest?

[HeelWolv]

Seems like you hit the nail on the head with this statement:

"...lack of users participating."

Without knowing what the site is, it sounds like you're not creating enough benefit for your users or a reason for them to regularly use the site. That would seem to point to focusing on your offering - if it's a warmed over version of other social networking sites, why are users going to add yet another to their list of sites they have to deal with. You've got to create something unique and fresh that forces them to take note, and more importantly gives them a great reason to not only use your site, but to invite their friends and contacts to use it as well. That's the real power of those types of sites.

To scale it up, you might think about focusing on a specific niche - you're not going out myspace a myspace, but if you can offer something more relevant and useful to a smaller group, you could build a great following that could later be expanded. Think about niches that haven't been adequately addressed by other sites out there - you're seeing more and more of these focused offerings, with social networks targeted by demographics (age, ethnicity, location) to lifestyles and hobbies. Look to them for inspiration and really take a critical look at what you've offered your chosen market.

[Mary]

Try posting good contents. Most people visit a website because they are searching for contents with value. Also, try to stay open and connected to your visitors or create a forum. By doing this, you are also creating a community. It is very effective when you are open to a two-way communication.

Good luck!

Mary
http://gbwatch.com/

[jph948]

What's their incenive to stay? Good information, forums, something interesting to try?
Content IS king and links to other good web info.
Offer them poroducts or services exciting, different, relevant to their needs. Contests, puzzles, games. etc.
Human attention spans are fleeting at best, so give them fun, worthwhile facts, and excitement. It's almost like video games or TV shows. They will watch until they get bored. In your case, it sounds like that's immediately.