LinkedIn closes in on MySpace
July 12th, 2011
LinkedIn has surpassed MySpace in the popularity stakes, drawing more unique visitors than ever before last month.
According to comScore statistics, while LinkedIn's unique visitor numbers grew in June, MySpace lost ground to drop to the third most-visited social network in the US. Facebook remained firmly at the top.
MySpace was sold to Specific Media at the end of June, but not even the glamorous addition of pop superstar Justin Timberlake as new stakeholder could boost its visitor numbers. Instead, it shed 1.4 million from the previous month.
LinkedIn, on the other hand, attracted nearly half a million more unique visitors than in May. With 33.9 million visitors in June, its numbers went up 63 per cent in the last year. MySpace lost half in the last 12 months.
So does this mean small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should make sure they are represented on LinkedIn? Entrepreneur David Gowel thinks so, as he has started a company, recruited staff and raised funds for charity through his network on the platform.
He told Fox Business: "LinkedIn is absolutely my most valuable business tool, as it allows me to get a much greater utility out of my network."
Erin O'Harra from LinkedIn said SMEs should use their profile with search engines in mind. "The more complete your profile, the easier it will be for people to find you through search engines," she said. Profiles which feature decent summaries and a picture add credibility.
SMEs can also harness the power of testimonials by requesting recommendations from people in their networks. By showcasing real-world references, businesses' professional credibility will be enhanced, Ms O'Harra added.
By joining industry groups, individuals and companies can gain access to peers and other like-minded people with whom they can engage and network.

What do you think?