Welcome to the web 2.0 evolution. You may not even know what web 2.0 means, so let’s get you some information…

What are web 2.0 sites?
On web 2.0 sites, a visitor can leave new content and new media (such as video or podcasts) and respond to previously posted content and media. These are sites where not only does the site talk to the visitor through content and media, but where the visitor can talk back. This user-generated content is then presented to other visitors to improve the experience for everyone on the site.

What are social networking websites?
The web 2.0 evolution is mostly made up of online social networks. These are sites where not only can the visitor generate the content, but they can connect with other visitors who are also generating content. This is where the “friend” component comes in. Many times, on online social networks, a visitor can connect to others by listing them as a friend.

What are some examples of web 2.0 sites? Social networking websites?
Web 2.0 sites websites can take many forms. Sites like Wikipedia, StumbleUpon, Digg and Pandora are collaborative examples of the web 2.0 evolution. These sites draw on the knowledge, opinions and behaviors of the community to create something better for the community.

• Wikipedia is an encyclopedia that visitors can edit and add to so that future readers can enjoy the information.
• StumbleUpon allows users to vote on websites so that other users may randomly visit the highest ranking sites.
• Digg allows visitors to submit and vote on news and information so that other visitors can easily find what is deemed the best information.
• Pandora allows you to vote on music so that other visitors who fit your “musical genome” profile can listen to new music that they are almost guaranteed to love.

Social networking websites allow users to create their own information and then actively seek others to share that information. Online social networks like this include MySpace, FaceBook, LinkedIn and Twitter. All of these online social networks allow visitors to create their own page and then connect with others who will receive regular updates when the pages change.

• MySpace is geared towards a younger crowd,
• FaceBook a more mature group, and
• Linkedin for business networking while
• Twitter is a micro version of a blog.

As intimidating as the web 2.0 evolution may seem, it is actually something exciting to watch. Tapping into social networking websites can create significant opportunities for your site. Tell us what your experiences with web 2.0 sites have been so far!

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