Get connected The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Creating a Social Network takes reader through the technical aspects of creating a successful site-and addresses the responsibilities involved in running one. • Covers how to build and maintain a website through a white label service such as GroupSite or Ning, and by using customized software for creating one's own network • Addresses such issues as privacy, authenticity, fostering participation, quality versus quantity, moral and ethical guidelines, and much more • Americans now average more than six hours per month on social networks, with an active unique social network audience estimated to be from 149 million—up 29 percent from 2009 • Ad revenue taken in by social networking sites is growing rapidly, and many people and companies are looking for ways to get in on this growth

The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Social Media Marketing, Second Edition, covers cutting-edge techniques for small and large businesses alike. Ask the Author Q: How has social media marketing changed business and personal lives? A: The playing field has been leveled for business. No longer do you need a 6 or 7 figure budget to reach people around the country or globe for that matter. Personally, many lives have been affected. Many people more connected, businesses have grown because of the connections, TV and singing careers have been launched, money has been raised for charity, books have been marketed and purchased, and so on. Q: What has been the most challenging part of utilizing social media? A: I think the learning curve. With all of these sites . . . they come with no directions and no LIVE phone number. Q: What has worked the best and worst thus far? A: Facebook because of it’s broad reach really has worked for me, but many would argue that YouTube works the best; particularly since it is the search engine of choice with the 11–34 age group. Q: How can a person searching for a job use social media marketing? A: So many ways. . . . They need to be on LinkedIn with a professional looking profile, photo, and contact information. They could also utilize video to begin sharing their expertise. Candidates need to stand out in a crowd of millions so if they say . . . sent in a video introducing themselves and a video follow up email . . . that would wow them! Q: What is the newest thing since Twitter? A: I believe companies and individuals are starting to utilize audio for creating their own iTunes channel, and also location-based social media like FourSquare. I personally, am not sold on location based services as of yet from a safety point of view, but for retailers it can be a good thing. I believe video is going to explode in popularity in 2011 for the 35+ market as well. They just need to get comfortable being on camera!

Simple steps to connecting with others. Now readers can raise their social intelligence quotient with a little self-knowledge and practice. Beginning with a series of short quizzes that generate a personal social profile, this guide explains how readers can enhance their ability to create and sustain mutually enriching relationships, make friends, and build a rich social network. • “Social intelligence” is the new buzz word in the psychology of relationships. • Includes social personality quizzes. • Hot, new self-help topic. • Author Gregory Korgeski, PhD, has more than 30 years of experience as a licensed psychologist.

In the 21st century, it has become very difficult for a business to survive without a website - today's equivalent of a mid-1990s yellow-pages listing. Today's websites require advanced features that visitors have come to expect- streaming video and audio; e-commerce; custom surveys, forms, and polls; and discussion groups. In The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Creating a Website, readers will find- ♦ How to create a webpage-all the basics and tables. ♦ Using good design. ♦ Publishing your site. ♦ Automating your site. ♦ How to make your site profitable. ♦ Publicizing your site. The CD contains many custom templates with which to start a website, as well as numerous JavaScript scripts.

Make your business stand out in the online crowd! If you're not taking advantage of the incredible resources available at your fingertips via social media, you're missing out on an inexpensive, effective, and far-reaching marketing opportunity to promote your product,\ service, or business. It's time to log on and get social! The next best thing to a personal marketing manger, this revised and updated guide gives you everything you need to know to utilize Facebook®, Twitter®, YouTube®, Linkedin®, Google+®, and other social media platforms to drum up new business. In it, you get- A primer on all the big names in social media outlets and how to get started with each. Easy tips for using social media to research who your customers are so you can better sell to them. Step-by-step guidelines on creating compelling and effective content for Facebook, Twitter, and more. Award-worthy advice on putting the world of Internet video to work for you, plus tips on making and uploading videos. Down-to-earth advice on which combination of social media is best for your product or service. Readers rave about The Complete Idoit's Guide® to Social Media Marketing-'Jennifer Abernethy is the Seth Godin of social media marketing.' 'Packed with great examples, inspiring, and direct 'how-to' advice that will help anyone.' 'Filled with timely tips, ideas, and how-to's!' 'Step-by-baby-step fpr the technologically impaired.'

Twitter has tens of millions of users and its active "tweeters" and followers look to it to answer to the question, "What's happening?" Businesses both large and small can quickly and easily send out highly targeted messages to key customers using Twitter. However, simply grasping only the mechanics of Twitter and flogging a message nobody cares about isn't enough to make a measurable difference. Worse, using Twitter the wrong way can damage a company's brand. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Twitter Marketing blends an understanding of Twitter's powerful tools and reach with marketing savvy and the key to really engaging followers and converting them to customers. It also covers new features such as the increasing importance of search engine optimization.

An inclusive guide that walks a reader through the wonderful world of Web publishing as it teaches the fundamental steps in coding HTML for great Web page results. The author is a well known for his expert and entertaining explanation of computer technology.