Social Networking: The Big Five - 3). Bebo

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This social networking site is the largest in the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand, and the third largest behind MySpace and Facebook in the United States. It has developed an online community where users can edit their profile page, similar to that of Facebook and MySpace.

Launched in July 2005 by Michael and Xochi Birch, it boasts 18,2 million registered users (as of June 2007) viewing approximately 7 billion pages a month. Not only was Bebo the most searched for term in 2006, according to the Google Zeitgeist, it also received the Webby Award People's Vote as the best social networking site in the world that year. It has the lowest Alexa ranking out of all five of the social networking sites in this chapter - the 89th most popular website in the world.

Getting Started
Bebo seems to be an amalgamation of the better qualities and features displayed by Facebook and MySpace.

Creating a new account is very easy, with a few simple questions being asked, such as name, age, username and password. Although there is no virtual tour there is a great online video to guide you through the site's various features.

Using Bebo
Once you have created your account you will have a profile page to which you can add your interests, as much or as little personal information as you choose, a profile picture and a list of your favourite books, movies and music. Quizzes, friend polls, photo slideshows and YouTube videos are some of the other examples of the ways in which you can customise your profile page.

Besides being able to add friends (must be mutually accepted), post comments, write emails and interact with people who have the same interests as you there are a few other interesting applications available on Bebo.

The Skype, Msn and all other IM add-on is definitely the best feature. When you fill out your details, you can add these details so other users can see how else to get hold of you and make use of instant messaging tools.

There is also the included feature of a personalised blog where you can write about what you have been up to or about anything you like.

Bebo Band has also been deemed an interesting feature. This is a section of the site, where bands or solo artists are able to create a profile showcasing their music. Along with undiscovered talents, it has a section called "New Music Only on Bebo" linking to established artist pages including Orson and Coldplay.

Marketing Opportunities
Advertising opportunities on Bebo include sponsored homepages, customised skins, Bebo TV ads, branded emails, sponsored videos and standard/rich media units.

Check out this slide show for a great introduction to the many advertising opportunities Bebo has to offer.

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