Social animals

The rise in social networking websites (MySpace, Facebook, Bebo etc) has been phenomenal and one question jumps out to me for website owners. What can we learn about the way people interact with the internet from the success of this type of site?

I commented on Darren Rowse's 10 Lessons in Blogging Learned on a Shopping Expedition today and I struck me as a really interesting subject.

Why do people buy from one high street store as opposed to another? Many buying decisions are emotional decisions (rather than practical/logical decisions) and feeling like you belong to something really helps you buy.

Football clubs, for example, have benefited from this for a long time. I belong to Norwich City FC, so I’ll buy all sorts of their merchandise (if I need a gift for a nephew, where do I go)? I’ve recently bought myself a motorbike. When I’m welcomed into a store (as per 'Norm!' in Cheers!) I feel comfortable, I feel wanted – next time I need a new bike helmet that’s where I’ll go.

So the lesson? Let the people in. Share the love!