Social networks like MySpace and Facebook set the stage for a new type of marketing. IBM, Toyota and even P&G recognized it as a valuable outlet for marketing programs and an effective way to generate leads, maintain loyalty and target specific demographics. It’s called 'Social Networking' and it’s quickly becoming one of the most sought after marketing tools for many companies looking to generate leads or stay top of mind.

For an effective way to target the youth segment, you can build your very own branded Social Network on www.colonies.com. We provide the platform and you provide the content—skipping the time and money it would take to develop your own network.

With Social Networking you can:

• Host contests or sweepstakes
• Obtain member feedback
• Test new products or promotions
• Cut through the clutter and leverage communication between friends
• Put your brand into influencers' conversations
• Brand communication tools and sections (chat, message boards, music, photo, video, etc) to create a fully branded user experience
• Get incredibly high reach, with low frequency
• Receive spill-over membership from other site within the Colonies network

Above all, a Social Network is an opportunity to build a member base of loyal customers and prospects that can be cultivated into brand advocates. By placing your brand within an environment specific to your target’s interest and a significant part of their lifestyle, you not only have the ability to positively impact sales but leverage your brand identity within the youth market.

Still not convinced? Then ask CNET news where the youth is today. In a May 2006 article titled “Where the Kids Are”, CNET News reported that networks like Bebo.com is one of the few that recently emerged as a major player in social networking and is experiencing rapid growth. In a later article, CNET News discovered the popularity of these networks is not only in North America but in the UK as well, reporting that, “Seventy percent of Internet users ages 16 to 24 have embraced activities such as social networking and blogging—half of them on at least a weekly basis.”

Are the youth even spending money on Social Networks? A survey released in late 2006 by the American Marketing Association (AMA) discovered 47% of younger consumers would visit these sites to search out and discuss holiday gift ideas, with 29% claim they would buy products on social networks. These sites “provide some of the most powerful word-of-mouth marketing opportunities there have ever been,” says Nancy Costopolous, Chief Marketing officer of AMA.

In light of these findings, targeting the youth market means staying ahead of the trends and in the minds and lifestyle of your consumer. With www.colonies.com Social Networking capabilities, we can help bring you there, if not keep you top of mind.

To learn more about Social Networking, obtain pricing and general information contact billr@hendersonrobb.com