How to create a niche social network with the open-source software WordPress and BuddyPress

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.
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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.
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9. Don’t : Be a Jerk
Attitude
Forum etiquette
Expectations
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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
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11. Nuts
and
Bolts
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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