BillVannot.com

Social networks have tripled their users in the last year alone – and part of that may be attributed to their monetization with paid advertising. Since this is the latest internet development tsunami to hit our shores, it’s worth your while to take a look at social media, you don’t usually bother with.

One such social network is Delicious, a social bookmarking service. But exactly what is a social bookmarking service? Well, instead of saving your bookmarks locally, just on your computer, it means you can save them online instead and share them. This means you can also see other Delicious users’ bookmarks, in addition to the ones ranked as "most popular" by Delicious, across a broad category range.

A further advantage of saving your bookmarks online means you can access your collection from any computer, as long as it has an internet connection.

Delicious also provides Search tools, so you can organize your collection. But if the word "organizing" makes you break into a cold sweat, relax. Just make sure you "tag" your bookmarks, and they will organize themselves into your connection.

Okay, so we’ve established what Delicious can provide in the way of social networking: But what does that have to do with advertising?

Partnered with Yahoo

The first thing you might want to know is that Delicious serves up ads – but it’s partnered with Yahoo (as well as with Flickr), and uses Yahoo search. And in 2007, Delicious started running contextual ads on its Yahoo search page. (Yahoo also offers, on Delicious’ ad page, a link to the Right Media Exchange, a digital advertising marketplace; plus you can also monetize your own site by displaying relevant, matched Yahoo text ads, via the Yahoo! Publisher Network.

One feature of Delicious which many people see as a benefit: You don’t have to spend hours interacting to participate in this particular online community. What you do have to do is make sure your bookmarks contain highly relevant keywords to your target market. That’s it. Oh, and make sure they’re really useful, helpful, interesting bookmarks.

API Advantages

Another feature that makes Delicious particularly attractive is its API, which allows API users to add, edit, query and read bookmarks. Its script allows you to easily marry Delicious with any app.

One good thing about Yahoo! AdChoices: It does the best job over all social media of reassuring the end user. It provides a very clear explanation of who placed the ad, how it works, and how to easily opt out. It invites the reader to "learn more" about the ads and their process, and allows them to "explore browser controls and plug-in tools to help set and maintain your privacy choices."

Delicious is not for everyone, when it comes to advertising. It has those who loathe it and those who are wildly enthusiastic. But no matter which side you’re hovering on, Delicious is just another social media advertising venue to consider, when bringing your business into 2010 and beyond.

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