Hello, World (pun to WordPress)! I am back at it with a new blog! As many of you SHOULD know, I own a company called “Shorty Produkshins.” What we do is related to the Internet Marketing worlds of Social Branding and Event Marketing. In this world, the keyword is “SOCIAL.” I find myself building many social networks and sites that mimic social networks but have a more controlled environment. I have used many different open source platforms, some too basic and some too complex and superfluous for what actually needs done.

Interestingly, I work with clients on their budgets and the budget may allow room for premium memberships and structures that have support teams behind them and more complexities that take limited timeframes to complete (minus reaching the objective through research, development, creation and implementation). So, yes, sometimes I use sites like Ning, Grou.ps, the late-Grouply and now Spruz!

What I like about these is the fact that I HATE web design. But, I have some talent in that area, so I don’t turn down business when I get a special request. I can use predesigned layouts and then EDIT it to my OWN liking. I can add my own graphics and fonts, as well as structure. I will admit, I haven’t used WordPress for anything more than this blog. I am sure I could learn it, but I have no time between the 9 companies and side hustles. And, I refuse to buy templates for things that I can do myself!

When dealing with sites like Spruz, you can do what you want pretty much. You can turn off functions for the public, you can have THEM charge monthly subscription fees FOR YOU, you can customize all day long or not at all. That is up to you. I like it, because of these reasons and more! When designing a Social Network, I can implement so much into a site that will work greatly for SEO efforts and make a basic site grow into a complex site that will keep people returning for more. I can also take the site and pass it off to the client for future customization once my services are no longer needed, and they will understand it much easier than they would through coded data.

Spruz is really a great tool in social networks. Once you connect your domain, it automatically updates links for you. You will notice the ease in adding modules and html elements, and the best part yet is that you can add your own scripts. While most of these platforms allow for the editing of the CSS and templates, they are very restricted as to exactly what else can be done with those sites. Spruz allows so much customization that I almost wish there wasn’t a monthly fee, or I might just use them to create a plethora of sites! While the monthly fee is very low, owning 48 plus sites like I do will equate to very a very high bill once added up! But, did I mention, for the performance and all, SPRUZ IS THE CHEAPEST PLATFORM EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By the way, starting off with a page on an already established network is GREAT for SEO!  By using a paid account, Google understands that your page is not spam and is a niche product. It is also attached to an authority website by default. How awesome is that? Give it some serious thought for future reference!