There’s been a lot of talk lately about the magical powers of “Web 2.0″. It’s supposed to be the amazing easy instant traffic that we all dream about. But, what is web 2.0, anyway? If you’re like most people, you may have heard the name, but not much more than that.
In essense, Web 2.0 sites feature at least one of the following, usually more:
- Interactivity
- Member Input
- Community
- Commenting
- Shared Experiences
There are literally THOUSANDS of sites that qualify at Web 2.0. And even though many people don’t like to admit it, Web 2.0 isn’t new. Have you ever been involved in a forum? That’s the backbone of Web 2.o…or at least the Grandfather. 
Whenever a group of internet users come together to share experiences, information, and community…that’s Web 2.0. Think of blogs, like this one. You’re here right now reading what I wrote. However, you are stuck just reading…you can also ADD to this material by leaving a comment below.
So, when someone new comes to read this post, they can read not only what I wrote, but also what you commented as well. Now, you are taking part in the communication. Your thoughts, feelings, and comments are shared freely to the rest of the world…so long as they find this site.
Here’s some of the biggest Web 2.0 sites on the planet:
This is a small sampling, but if you just focused on those sites you could spend ALL DAY long meeting new people, reading interesting information, and also adding in your own thoughts and opinions. But why would you do that? Well, for 3 reasons really.
- Web 2.0 sites bring you traffic
- Web 2.o sites can help increase your site authority
- Web 2.0 sites will expose your product to new audiences
Now, as a method of driving traffic to your site, Web 2.0 can’t be beat. But the question always is: Does the traffic convert to sales? From my experience and the experience of others I’ve learned this much. The traffic DOES convert, but it’s not as targeted as paid traffic or article traffic.
This is because Web 2.0 “visitors” aren’t actively looking to buy anything. They’re just out looking for a good time. Maybe watch a few funny videos, read about a current event, and reconnect with an old friend from elementary school. That’s the mindset we’re working with.
Before I go any further, let me differentiate three different types of Web 2.0 traffic. Here they are:
- Social Networking Sites
- Social Bookmarking Sites
- Interactive User Sites
Social Networking sites usually are built for people to come together as a community. The most popular social networking sites are Myspace and Facebook. These sites allow members to join and find like minded people. It’s sort of like an online “watering hole” so to speak. You can find old friends, new friends, or even boy/girl friends.
As a matter of fact, a new study found that 1 in 8 married couples in 2007 met online. Pretty cool, huh?
Anyway, social bookmarking sites are a little different. They allow people to share “stuff” they find interesting, funny, or weird…usually that’s the most popular! Sites like Digg, Stumbleupon, and del.icio.us are really popluar. These sites let you create bookmarks of your favorite internet findings. Other members of the community (there’s that word again) vote on whethey they like the content or not. The more “yes” votes, the higher up the site your site goes…or the more people who can find it.
The final type I’m talking about today is Interactive User Sites. These are sites like blogs and forums. You read (or watch) the material being presented then you can add in your own comment. This can help you get traffic because whenever you leave a comment, a link points back to your site.
These 3 Web 2.0 categories are in no means all inclusive. Many of them crossover. It’ just a general idea for you to grasp.
So the question becomes - how do we turn these visitors into traffic? I’ll cover that in an upcoming blog post. Look for the link posted here soon.
Sorry to leave you hanging, but I’ve got to run!!
Leave your experiences with Web 2.0 so far.
-Mike
