There’s been a massive boom in the number and variety of social networking websites that have been launched in the past few years and while some have attempted to take on the world by offering general social networking, there are also a very good range of niche social networking websites that are geared towards specific people or companies, as well as geographically targeted websites for users from or related to specific countries.

Attempting to manage your own social networking program typically means using one or a small handful of networks and then concentrating your efforts on these. As such, it may be your first instinct to plump for those with the largest user base irrespective of their industry or geographic targeting. However, this might not be the best move and creating a portfolio of profiles that include both general and niche can give truly excellent results.

Social networking can be a great way to develop new customers and create a buzz about a new brand or a new company. It can also be extremely beneficial for online reputation management; ensuring that when potential clients use the Internet to search for details about you, they are presented with results that you control.

Set up free profiles and add relevant and existing contacts to that network. Find ways that the sites enable you to create new connections but first ensure that your profile is relevant, informative, and links to your own website and web pages if allowed.