Definition: Web 2.0 describes the current state of the internet--an evolution from static, impersonal web pages to today's series of interactive community-based platforms. This article looks at Web 2.0 from a marketing and social perspective rather than the underlying technology that makes it all possible.
So what are a few of these Web 2.0 platforms?
1. Video--sites such as the ever-popular Youtube, Google Video, and Metacafe.
2. Facebook.
3. MySpace
4. Twitter
All of the above sites offer a place for people to socialize and interact. But what is truly revolutionary about these sites (and all the other Web 2.0 platforms out there) is that people can easily use technology to leverage their ability to exchange "insider" information, share opinions, and interact in a virtual world that is the closest thing we've ever seen to the offline, real world.
Web 2.0 adds personality and relationship to the internet. It takes technology to the next level and is based on the inherent understanding that people want relationships.
Take for instance online commerce. A static corporate or ecommerce website does little to build trust, whereas a website with a video and place for customer/reader feedback is transformed into an interactive site where trust is built quickly and easily...with the result being that sales increase dramatically (if of course the video is done well).
How and why does this work?
By now that should be fairly obvious. It's really about even more than just relationships and interaction. People don't go online to to be sold. It's all about seeking information. The offline world is packed full of outrageous advertising and marketing. So when someone logs on the iternet they're in a separate mindset. They look for VALUE, trusted opinion, and good content from dependable sources. Web 2.0 essentially puts the human element back into a technological construct.
So what are a few of these Web 2.0 platforms?
1. Video--sites such as the ever-popular Youtube, Google Video, and Metacafe.
2. Facebook.
3. MySpace
4. Twitter
All of the above sites offer a place for people to socialize and interact. But what is truly revolutionary about these sites (and all the other Web 2.0 platforms out there) is that people can easily use technology to leverage their ability to exchange "insider" information, share opinions, and interact in a virtual world that is the closest thing we've ever seen to the offline, real world.
Web 2.0 adds personality and relationship to the internet. It takes technology to the next level and is based on the inherent understanding that people want relationships.
Take for instance online commerce. A static corporate or ecommerce website does little to build trust, whereas a website with a video and place for customer/reader feedback is transformed into an interactive site where trust is built quickly and easily...with the result being that sales increase dramatically (if of course the video is done well).
How and why does this work?
By now that should be fairly obvious. It's really about even more than just relationships and interaction. People don't go online to to be sold. It's all about seeking information. The offline world is packed full of outrageous advertising and marketing. So when someone logs on the iternet they're in a separate mindset. They look for VALUE, trusted opinion, and good content from dependable sources. Web 2.0 essentially puts the human element back into a technological construct.
About the Author:
Author Jenn Lawlor is an internet entrepreneur and peer recognized online marketing expert. She has used Web 2.0 marketing techniques in marketing to grow a very successful LifePath Unltd. business. Lawlor is also an online marketing teacher and mentor who offers free online marketing training.
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