How to Build a Social Networking Website

With the introduction of websites such as Facebook.com and Myspace.com, social networking has changed the way people relate to one another. It use to be that your network of friends consisted of those in your neighborhood, people you work with or those you see in town each day. But thanks to the Internet and social networking, you can develop friendships around the world at the click of a button. Not only can you make friends from all over the world, but you can create your own social network, designed with your own creativity and passions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer Internet access Email address

How to Build Your Own Social Networking Site

1. Log on to Ning.com and choose a name for your social network. Choose a web address for the site and click on create. Fill in the form to sign up for a Ning account. Note: You may want to create a separate email dedicated to your social network. You can get free emails at Yahoo.com, Hotmail.com and Google.com. After you complete the form, click sign up.

2. Fill out the Network Description page and click "launch." From the main page, begin to lay out your social network design. Follow the design ideas in the green box at the center of the page. In order to attract more people, lay out your pages and designs before you begin adding friends.

3. Start designing by adding personalized features to your network by clicking on the "Make it Unique" icon, then under Your Network click on "Appearance." Choose the background you would like to use for your site. Choose the theme for your background and then follow the directions to personalize the page. When you are happy with the way it looks, click "Save." Note: Once you click save, if you are still not happy with the appearance, you can go back and change it anytime.

4. Go back to the main page and then click on "Make It Unique." Choose whatever features you desire. Once the overall site is done, begin customizing your own page.

5. Click on "Invite Friends" and begin sending invitations to your friends to enjoy your new, personalized social network.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to create a private network for your friends only, click on the "Private, by Invitation Only" button at the beginning of your setup procedures.

Resources

• Building a social network