Thining of setting up my own social networking site, but don't know where to start?
britisharrow started this topic @ 17:37 on 17/06/2009
There are loads of social networking sites, it could be argued the market is saturated, however I think I have an idea with a difference that could with some work take off in a big way.
Problem, or the challenge I should say, is I'm really good with surfing the net and grasp simple html programming, but that's not going to get me the kind of site I want. Myspace and Bebo are using PHP and Delphi etc, I'm looking at setting at first of all a no frills version of what they've got. Then I can tailor it to the market I think I have.
I'm going to go to GATEWAY and apply for a grant, and I do have some capital set aside from my days stacking shelves. What I really need is expertise.
Is there such a thing as a business consultant I could see who could help me organise matters, can I get one discounted through any government department?
Secondly where does my income come into this, without giving too much away, those who are on the site compete for prizes sponsored by advertisets. Should I approach these potential advertisers unsolicited or through an agency?
Thank you very much for your help and information and I wish you all the best in all your business ventures.
(To add some background to my own venture, I've already registered the name with my local bank as a business account, I'm making an appoinment with Gateway, and I am ordering books on starting up a business).
Thanks again.
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RE: Thining of setting up my own social networking site, but don't know where to start?
Rally | 18/06/2009 12:17 PM
Hi,
Its a good idea and there is still huge amounts of money to be made from social networking as your target audience is world wide like facebook!
My suggestion would be to contact google (though its difficult to do) and see if they can help you gain access to high profile sponsors at the end of the day big companies pay people to search through google, yahoo, ask etc etc to look for companies who can provide loads of awareness and filter potential business.
Good Luck
Need an accountant give me a call
Ray
raihan@bbkca.com
RE: Thining of setting up my own social networking site, but don't know where to start?
conveneworks | 19/06/2009 12:25 PM
Hi britisharrow,
If you give me a shout, I can offer some free consultancy and support where applicable (I've made this offer available generally to other startups too, under the "Offers" board). Let me know whether this interests you.
Regards,
Will
ConveneWorks Ltd.
email: will.cheung@conveneworks.co.uk
visit us at: http://www.conveneworks.co.uk
My Mobile: 07905 378906
RE: Thining of setting up my own social networking site, but don't know where to start?
virtuallysorted | 22/06/2009 11:51 AM
Sounds interesting, but it does sound like you are battling with a chicken vs. egg situation. If I've understood correctly, the social networkers compete for prizes, so you would need prizes first, but are unlikely to get them from sponsors without having a large database of users of the site...
Is there a way of building the membership without the prizes initially? I'd concentrate on that, and then give advertising/promotional opportunities to potential partners.
We built up quite a large "social network" of virtual assistants on www.societyofvirtualassistants.co.uk so I'd be happy to offer advice on things you can do to build the network.
Caroline
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Caroline Wylie
www.virtuallysorted.com
www.SocietyOfVirtualAssistants.co.uk