MySpace as a Marketing Tool

Have you ever thought of MySpace as something that can actually be productive and business worthy? I think it's funny how much heat MySpace gets, yet everyone (and their mother) uses the darn thing!

There are a few good reasons why MySpace is one of the most brilliant social networking tools of all-time. Have you ever noticed that when you do a Google search for something completely random, you will see results show up on your screen from MySpace pages? There are a few reasons why.

According to Jack Flanagan, executive vice president of comScore Media Metrix, “MySpace is clearly leading the social networking category with the largest, most engaged audience as compared to all other social networks. Our data also shows that MySpace continues to grow at a strong pace.”

Check out a recent press release for more stats on MySpace usage and you'll be amazed at the numbers: http://www.newscorp.com/news/news_345.html. And imagine how these numbers have increased from the time this press release was put out in July to now! If total unique U.S. visitors was 70.5 million in June (an increase of 1.6 million unique visitors compared to May), imagine the inflation from July to October?!?

It's unbelievable.

Not only are teens and adults using MySpace as a social networking tool, but I'm seeing more and more organizations and professionals using it to network and actually increase brand awareness. I think the biggest crowd to benefit (professionally) from MySpace are no-name musicians. There's nothing like getting a little free PR. And talk about word-of-mouth marketing at its finest!

Another thing I notice is that more and more ad spots are being placed all over MySpace. Products aimed toward teens seem to be most relevant, but I do see others aimed at the older generation.

One other thing to note. MySpace does have a "professional" site: http://myspaceforbusiness.com/

However, it doesn't seem to be as effective as say, sites like http://www.linkedin.com/. Interesting how MySpace has a niche in the social side of networking while Linked In has the competitive advantage for professional networking.

So I end with a question: Has MySpace contributed to the success of your business / reputation? And if so, I'd love to hear your feedback.

And if you have had no business success with it.... Can MySpace (or another social networking tool like Facebook) help you out?