July 2010

It isn’t much of greater significance if competition is ‘ Constructive or Destructive ‘. What really matters in verity is that Competition breeds a successful organization that essentially finds better ways to win battles & overcome its competitors. A similar competitive drama found inside of the social media arena is the battle of Facebook vs Google; One being the King of all search engines and the other a Numero-Uno in Social Networking. The competition between the two huge Online Brands (Google and Facebook) reached a new high with the proliferation of the alleged rumour of Google’s launching its latest project to counter Facebook’s fame. The gossip was started by Kevin Rose , founder of Digg in one of his tweets where he mentioned Facebook’s potential competition could be launched by Google. The rivalry first started with Facebook managing to beat Google in the race of “ The Most Visited Site in US ”, that prompted the more apprehensive Google to launch Google Buzz. Did this new tool create enough Buzz amongst users that could squash Facebook’s success? Apparently, the answer is – NO, it did not. And, I am sure that all intellectual souls in Social Media would opine with me. Let’s christen this scuffle as Google vs Facebook Round I, where Facebook emerged the clear winner with the letdown of both Google tools – Buzz and Orkut. Some even say that Orkut is ‘Almost’ Dead. Now, a more determined Google is ready for Round II with its supposedly new and invigorating tool named Google Me . Speculations state that other Google services like Wave and Latitude could be amalgamated into one social network site – Google Me. If that’s a fact then it is a given that any Gmail account user by default becomes a Google Me user and this definitely would pose a threat to Facebook since, on its launch itself Google Me would have more than 200 million users to its credit. However, more importantly the question that needs to be answered is, would Google Me have in it what Facebook has, which is – the relentless ability of Mark Zuckerberg ’s team to come up with numerous absorbing applications that lure users to stay connected to Facebook. Google’s ideal strategy should be to bank on their user-base and creatively design advanced applications that redefine the way social media sites work. All things said and done, the best fortune tellers for these rival brands of who would achieve success are – Time and Users. Speaking of End-Users (consumers), it becomes imperative for us to comprehend what this competition personifies to them (the users of social network sites). The personification is simple – users will be bestowed with yet another site that enables them to stay advanced, updated, connected and entertained. Consumers will have an extra option (in the form of Google Me) with exhilarating functions to choose from, which could gratify their social networking needs. So, with the advent of Google Me and the rejuvenation of a new competition between Facebook and Google, is of immense value not only for the users but also the players. But, How? With Google’s pro-active strategy (launch of a social network website of which organizational success is anticipated), Facebook needs to hit back with a reactive competitive strategy to hit back at Google. This would lead to the progress of both these brands. All I say is, Hail Competition …!! Related Posts Internet Wars: Facebook vs. Google Facebook India Operations To Commence In 2 Months Facebook Privacy Overhauled – What It Means For You? Facebook – Zynga Tie Up For 5 Years – Expect Social Gaming To Grow! RCom Gets You Facebook Access For Free! Need Help With Social Media Marketing?? – Contact WATConsult – India’s Leading Social Media Agency Submit Your Work To The 1st International Social Media Awards