MySpace is a popular social networking site where users can share information, pictures of themselves and communicate with friends online. This site began as a networking site for musicians and bands to share music and gather a fan base, but it quickly evolved into a space for everyone. Each profile displays the user’s picture, information, top friends and a comment wall. Users also have the ability to add music to their profiles, as well as add video or picture slideshows.

Who uses it?

According to statistics, more than 76 million MySpace profiles are active, with a 0.8% growth rate each month. While MySpace seems to be mostly directed to the teen/tween market, its easy usability makes it attractive to all ages, groups and businesses.

Benefits in Tourism Marketing

Because of the ability to add as much information and media about your CVB or tourism bureau as you can, MySpace is a great opportunity for your destination. Getting involved in a social network is a great way to put yourself out there with your future tourists. Find your clients online and share information with them,  as well as promote your destination through a variety of communication methods. MySpace also allows you to search for your competitors, so you can see what they are doing. By putting your CVB or tourism bureau online is a variety of places, you are increasing your opportunity of getting noticed, as well as increasing your odds of search engines to notice your company.

How to sign up

To register, you simply provide an e-mail address, full name, password, birthday and gender. MySpace comes with a variety of templates to allow your company to have a more professional looking profile. Enter as much information about your company as you’d like, and voila: You are social networking.

Social media optimization defines the use of new portals and sites designed to bring people of common interests together, and travel-related companies have recognized the marketing potential for such sites. At Simple Tourism, we specialize in the maintenance and development of your brand and destination via social media exposure. Social networking sites offer Internet users the opportunity to discover where to eat while on vacation, and which resorts have the best deals. These networks also provide businesses the opportunity to boost the link popularity of their main websites and draw potential subscribers to become regular visitors of their sites as well. When you sign on with Simple Tourism for our SMO package, you have the option of customizing a social media presence as it suits your business or bureau. Contact us today for a free quote.

Jessica Swink is a freelance writer specializing in articles about Social Media Optimization and SEO for travel Web sites.