You know that some of the most popular sites on the web – MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr – are all built on the concept of social networking. So, if you want a slice of the social networking pie, you might consider using Ning as a tool.
Building a social networking business is especially useful if:
1. You have a passion for building web communities.
2. You support an interest/hobby that may interest several people who wish to get together.
3. You have a few monetisation ideas in place.
So, if you don’t have to money to hire a developer, designer, etc. that you will need in order to build a social networking site, you can use Ning as a “straight out of the box” solution. All you need to do is sign up (it’s free), create your own network, start inviting people to become a member, load your site with some content, and find ways to monetise your network.
Some of Ning’s features include:
1. Integration with Flickr (a photo sharing site) – and a few other websites/services.
2. Ability to upload photos, videos, music
3. It has a forum function and RSS.
4. Members can create their own profiles and network with each other.
5. Use domain mapping/Use your own domain name (extra fee)
6. Customised templates
7. Premium features (with fees applicable)
8. Widgets/badges
Top 5 Ways to Make Money Online with Ning*
1. Run your own ads (Adsense, etc). However, in order to do this, you need to pay a premium service of $19.95/month
2. Charge membership fees. If you have a highly specialised topic in mind, and you have several useful content and services that you can offer via your social networking site, then you might be able to charge membership fees.
3. Affiliate links. If you have products that you wish to promote to your highly targeted network, then adding content with affiliate links might be useful.
4. Selling your own products/services. Again, like affiliate linking, selling your own products/services might be acceptable to your members if you have something good to offer.
5. Selling direct advertising. If you have the all-clear to sell direct advertising, then this can be another source of income for your social network.
*Please note that some of these suggestions may not be according to terms and conditions, depending on your level of service/partnership with Ning. You are advised to check beforehand.
Technorati Tags: advertising, make money online, memberships, ning, social networking
You Might Also Be Interested In....
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s interesting that you singled out Ning with the vast number of white-label social networking applications out there. You can do the same with in2community (and they even tie that in with an online classified solution as well).
Maria: Thanks for your feedback. I do feature specific places to make money from, just to focus on a particular option (see single posts on Paypal, Xoom, etc).
And, I featured Ning in particular because I’ve given it a try. I usually end up writing longer pieces on places that I’ve actually tried.
Maybe I’ll give in2community a go one day and write about it too. Again, thanks!
Paying $20 for Adsense in Ning may be a lose-lose scenario if you don’t have a large community. Building your own website remains the best method in making money online.
I have just ut up my won social network on ning and…I must say that in less than a week I have already 150 members…not bad!!
http://hardcandyspace.ning.com/
That’s true. How to generate a big community with ning and make a good money on it. good tools but how can i make it???
I just started a Ning site for anyone involved in the Music Industry.
We plan on fully customizing the features and design. Join now in Alpha……….. http://musicindustry1.ning.com/
Do Ning members have to blog on the Ning blog? I am envisioning a network of people who already have their own blogs on a particular topic that I would like to draw together.
Creating your own social site and hosting it will run $thousands…I’d say, a site like Ning is a terrific idea, and $20 bucks a month is pocket change.
Hey everyone, come to Kingsofcollege.ning.com to meet to friends going to the same college as you, contact current friends, or get in touch with old. Just started it so after signing up ad your school as a group! Have fun.
hello
What would be the best way to get members once you have it up and running?
I love these comments & graphics that you can Copy/Paste the code to any Ning site on Add a Comment to any Ning members page or on a Blog.
36,000 + Comments at RecoveryGraphics.com<a href=Inspirational Comments
Ning seems to be very dependent on Adsense revenue. It should find more ways how the site becomes cash-generating.
I came here in my research and just had to say I like what I found. Thanks.
Exactly what I needed for my paper. Thank you very much. I will post a link back to you when I have it done (maybe before Christmas).
Personally i have a Yuwie account but have not tried Yuwie out yet. At first impression it sounds like a good deal. Socialise and get paid. why not? Initially i thought Yuwie was just too good to be true but YuwieScam seemed to clear my doubts. Yuwie does pay their members!
The key to success in Yuwie is to build a huge and active downline 10 levels deep. I may be trying out Yuwie and keep a record on the difficulties experienced along the way. Who is with me?
http://r.yuwie.com/jessicapage/
Great article. Ning is a good choice for a small social network aimed at friends and family, however to truly have income potential you need to go with a company that use custom social networking software to set up your own network for you