Editor’s note: This article was first published in September 2011. Facebook’s “more than 750 million users”, Google+ as a market leader, and the forecast of 3 million users for Sigo Joven by 2012 are all from that date.
In a market of giants, where Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ dominate, we’re pleased to report the growth of new networks aimed at a specific, well-defined audience. This kind of social network will probably find a way to make money from that business idea in the future, because while big networks like Facebook have more than 750 million users, they’re all mixed together and it’s hard to find common interests. In a previous article we presented 9 social networks aimed at specific market niches and professionals. Today we bring you some more, to show that not everything has been invented yet, and that an internet entrepreneur can find a business opportunity in more select and focused “circles”.
1. Sigo Joven: This social network is aimed at “generation 4.0”, that is, people over 40. Its creator, Jesús Miguel, tells us that the ideal age to enjoy the network is between 40 and 60. Members use it to get back in touch with old university friends or former colleagues, and it also offers a wide range of activities for people of this generation. It’s expected to reach 3 million users by 2012, as it has been well received among Spaniards and Latin Americans. Sigojoven.com
2. Womenalia: A social network for professional women. It’s a complete social network that opens up a channel of communication for these professionals, as well as a job board for certain profiles. We’ll let its director explain how the network works; it looks very complete. Womenalia.com
Watch: Womenalia’s director explains how the network works
3. Tender: A great idea from its creators, because many users who knew about the service would turn to this network regularly, especially in times of crisis. Imagine you need to renovate your home or install new wiring. You post the job you need done and different professionals send you their quotes. In the end, you decide which one to go with. Needless to say, if you’re a professional in the construction sector, taking part in this kind of network will help you grow your client base. Tender.es
4. Commuto: This network has been running in France for more than 5 years and arrived in Spain about a year ago. It’s aimed at people who need, or want to save money with, car sharing. Its creator says the crisis has helped the network grow its user base, because the service is useful: it encourages saving. Commuto.es
5. Grera: A social network for companies. The idea behind it is interesting, and so are the benefits that companies who know how to make the most of it can obtain. The network encourages collaboration between businesses. If you have a company or provide a service in Valladolid, you can get in touch with a company in Córdoba to exchange ideas or products, or simply to share client lists when both companies are in the middle of expanding. It could be enormously useful (as long as every company acts in good faith). Grera.net
These are the 5 most interesting and useful social networks we’ve seen this second quarter, especially for entrepreneurs. I’ve also seen some social networks aimed at the self-employed. The idea of a social network for freelancers is a very good one, although unfortunately the ones I’ve seen look more like advertising (spam) than social networks.
Further reading
- Beautifulpeople: a social network for good-looking people only
- Blaving: a new social network, the “audio Twitter”
- Pawsley, a social network for dogs
Featured image: Martin Grandjean, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
