“Web 2.0″ refers to a second generation of very user friendly web development and design, that has accelerated the growth of home based businesses using the social network marketing sites making it easy and practical to work  from home. It facilitates communication, allows safe information sharing, interoperability, and collaboration on the World Wide Web.

Web 2.0 concepts have led to the development and evolution of social media networking sites.

It is a category of new user friendly technologies and enhanced Internet tools developed specifically for the concept that people, who access the Internet, consume media, and use the Web should not passively absorb what is available; rather, they should be active contributors through a network of social media sites.

In general, the key characteristics of Web 2.0 are:

• Applications can be accessed from anywhere because they are Web-based applications.
• Designated problems can be solved by Simple applications.
• The most important value lies in the actual content, not the software used to display it.
• It is easy to share Data.
• It is bottom-up, not top-down Distribution.
• Tools are accessible and can be used by employees and customers on their own.
• The Social tools were designed for the purpose of creating, collaborating, editing, categorizing, exchanging, and promoting information.
•  It’s all about networking – the more people who contribute, the better the content gets.

Almost on a parallel path as the implementation of this technology grew…so has the number of social media sites…and as a result the popularity of social network marketing is growing by “leaps and bounds”, particularly with professionals and service providers.

The attraction of participating in an online social network allows users to tap into real world, real life situations and expand their circles if influence.

The fastest growing and the number one social media site is Facebook. It was developed at Harvard to allow students to communicate with each other online.

My Space was number one prior to Facebook, but with Facebooks’ more user-friendly interface, it has risen very quickly to number one and continues to grow.

Many uninformed, only think that most of the social media sites as literally “social”…like a big party, when in fact the use or networking on these sites has been the catalyst and largely responsible for the growth in Internet commerce whether it is; Internet to bricks and mortar, online business to business, direct selling, and network marketing and multilevel marketing companies(MLM).

In essence it intertwines with, social, business and professional relationships.

Lets’ look at an example;

These social networking sites are where people gather and meet with each other…the determinate as to whether they become friends is basically what they post…like the old adage “birds of a feather flock together”…when they share common interests and values a relationship begins.

Once it is established, conversations most generally migrate to, what do you do…this is what I do…and in many cases the social relationship then goes to another level and a business relationship begins.

The significance, scope and the functionality of how Web 2.0 technology is the cornerstone of the platform that provided the developement of the Social Media sites could be a very involved discussion and the technical aspects understood only by a few.

However, from a marketing 101 point of view it’s premise and purpose is really not any more complicated than the above description.

If you would like more information on how you can learn more about interfacing web 2.0 technology and the social media sites and how you can attract more prospects …you are welcome to contact me for a free consultation and I’ll be happy to explain how it works.

Ron