This document discusses the do's and don'ts of creating a niche social network. It recommends starting a niche social network now using BuddyPress and Multisite for the platform. It advises having a clear plan and goals, marketing the network effectively, and focusing on building a passionate community rather than making money. Key plugins are also mentioned to enhance BuddyPress and Multisite functionality for niche social networks.

1. MULTISITE AND BUDDYPRESS
The Do’s and Don’ts of Creating a Niche Social Network
By Mason James
Tuesday, January 8, 13

2. NICHE SOCIAL NETWORKS
Facebook showed us how
successful an online social
network could really be.
As a natural response to
that we’re seeing niche
social networks arise.
“Birds of a feather flock
together”
Tuesday, January 8, 13

3. What is a Niche Social Network?
“Examples:
A niche social network is an online community that
caters to specific and unique topics of interest.
Pioneer Woman: http://thepioneerwoman.com/
Rockhaq: http://rockhaq.com/
Tuesday, January 8, 13

4. Do : Start Now
@jjj “2012 - Year of the niche net work. BuddyPress.org has
you covered.” (Jan 18)
Open the net work for signups (beta)
Use pressure to your advantage
Tuesday, January 8, 13

5. Don’t : Be Casual
• Make sure you are passionate
about your niche
• Money can’t be the primary goal
• Community-building takes a
massive amount of work. You
must continually engage
members.
Tuesday, January 8, 13

6. Tuesday, January 8, 13

7. Do : Have a Plan
• Set goals for yourself and for
your site.
• Plan your work. Then work
your plan.
• Use phases for features and
enhancements.
Tuesday, January 8, 13

8. Don’t :
Be Facebook
We already have it.
Be unique.
Tuesday, January 8, 13

9. Don’t : Be a Jerk
Attitude
Forum etiquette
Expectations
Tuesday, January 8, 13

10. Do : Marketing
Doesn’t matter how good it is if nobody sees it
Use e-newsletters, promotions, twitter, facebook
Find where your target audience is and meet them there
Tuesday, January 8, 13

11. Nuts
and
Bolts
Tuesday, January 8, 13

12. MULTISITE?
• Allows your members to have their own blog/site
• Easilymanage plugins themes and provide an exact
UX/UI for your members
Tuesday, January 8, 13

13. BUDDYPRESS?
• Social networking, in a box.
• Social Networking “layer” for WordPress
• Member Profiles, Activity Streams, Groups
Tuesday, January 8, 13

14. Must-have BuddyPress Plugins
BuddyPress Toolbar: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/
buddypress-toolbar/
Achievements: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/
achievements/
Welcome Pack: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/
welcome-pack/
Tuesday, January 8, 13

15. Must-have Multisite Plugins
Admin Menu Editor: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/
admin-menu-editor/
Role Management: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/
members/
Plugin Manager: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/
multisite-plugin-manager/
Tuesday, January 8, 13

16. Thank you for listening
Web: http://masonjames.com
WPMU DEV: http://premium.wpmudev.org/contact/
Twitter : @masonjames
Tuesday, January 8, 13