Bullet Proof Marketing For A Social Network

I have a social network that evolved from what was just a blog. I know it has probably been brought up on the forum time and time again, but what can be done to market or promote a social network.

I've done pretty good so far getting some traction we have close to 2000 members after erasing several hundred for not being active. I like to keep it as progressive as possible, but only want members who are there to truly participate.

Our theme is Global Fashion Network: Where The Apparel Industry Connects

Some of my promotional efforts include:

• Free clothing for the member with the most referrals
• Highlighting members on the main blog that receives thousands of daily visitors and over 2000 subscribers separate from the network members
• PR release to related blogs
• Contacting all related fashion schools and getting students involved
• Getting profiled in local newspapers and magazines
• Did the myspace tom thing so members don't feel alone when joining
• Also have unique features like fashion faceoff when you can compare your company against real-world competition...bragging rights and word of mouth

I think the main thing that launched my business network is the fact that I already owned a successful blog.

Any other ideas that you have used or think will directly help my nice business/social network?

 

Try adding image laden posts to www.stylefeeder.com ad www.kaboodle.com - and look for directories of social networks and add ya links and even boost your traffic with something like www.trafficswarm and make sure to get articles/posts digged - promote the blog side more and offer incentives for your members to do the work or you. Can I get a look in? My site is www.buy-tees.net - I'm an independent UK t-shirt designer - check it out. I'm personally hoping article writing will promote my site - will let ya know if interested how it goes. Seo is soooooo expensive these days damn! Kinda difficult in our field I know...

 

When I say incentives I mean cash really lol - it's painful but true

 

Sounds like you have done a nice comprehensive job so far.

Apart from the general gaining backlinks, press releases blah blah, I can only think maybe some high fashion video clips spliced together, that should be easy enough, free and we all know how popular youtube is.

Good luck with your site