WordPress.org is widely recognized as being a popular and powerful tool for blogging, and now they have something more to offer. Users can now create their own social network using BuddyPress. BuddyPress is a new social media tool from WordPress, and is designed specifically for niche groups and small communities. Whereas Facebook and Twitter are so large that they serve everyone without specializing in particular groups, BuddyPress is unique because of its ability to support niche communities. This isn’t to say that every social network on BuddyPress is small. Even large companies like Volkswagen are utilizing the capabilities of BuddyPress.
Volkswagen’s TankWars campaign uses elements of WordPress and BuddyPress in an effort to promote the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Users can compete by measuring average miles per gallon (MPG) that they get with their Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Networks like TankWars can spark interest in a product as well as keep customers informed for a very minimal cost.
The BuddyPress website claims that setting up a BuddyPress social media network takes only six minutes, and a BuddyPress account is free. However, even through the account is free, the program must be hosted separately, which of course means a separate fee. There have been concerns noted over the security of BuddyPress, however it is important to note that the security of the social media network is entirely dependent on the hosting service, not BuddyPress. Also, because BuddyPress is not particularly popular or as well known as Facebook or Twitter, it is a good idea to still use the larger social media sites complimentary to BuddyPress to maximize traffic.
Written by Brennan Mack