LinkedIn Shouldn’t Try To Be Facebook
Posted on | January 6, 2010 | No Comments
A recent article on iMediaConnection.com reports that LinkedIn – the popular social media site for business professionals – is suffering an identity crisis. The article compares web traffic statistics between LinkedIn and Facebook. It goes on to suggest that if LinkedIn wishes to get the same traffic as Facebook It will have a hard time catching up.
I’d argue LinkedIn shouldn’t try to compete with Facebook. What would the value be if LinkedIn became another Facebook?
No doubt Facebook is the most popular social media platform to date. But should it be the standard in which we compare all social media sites? To me that’s like saying that the Toyota Camry is the benchmark for all automakers purely based on sales. Imagine if BMW or Mercedes believed that was true. You wouldn’t spend the $50,000 price tag to get a German made Camry. Would you?
For LinkedIn to stay relevant it needs to further distinguish itself from sites like Facebook and stay true to it purpose. Serve the business community.