INF206 | Module 2 | Social media website evaluation
What makes social media Social?
Social media has become ingrained in every nook and cranny of the internet making it the optimal tool for generating brand interest (Tran, 2020). To define social media, social media can be distinguished for their various means of communication and accessibility (Jensen, 2015). Consequently, this article aims to critically examine the features and functionality of social aspects my personal favourite websites to evaluate the optimal methods.
MyMiniFactory
MyMiniFactory is a platform to buy and sell free and paid 3D printable designs, its design is built around each developer creating their own unique community through excellent designs, but more importantly their marketing and social media outreach. MyMiniFactory allows each developer to supply personalized websites outside of their host site, access to a variety of social media and patreon and presents them through clearly accessible links at the top of each artists portfolio. In my experience MyMiniFacory Is a leading marketplace and home to the largest 3D community because of its ability to connect its social tools with it’s users. MyMiniFactory clearly understands how to increase website traffic through website conversions, raising brand awareness and identity and improving communication and interaction with key audiences through discussion forums and weekly newsletters.
Pinterest is an image sharing and social media service designed to share images, GIFs and videos in the form of pinboards. Despite existing as one of the worlds most recognized social media tools, pinterest stands as the lacklustre tool for socialisation and creativity. With nearly all of Pinterests images leading to broken links, misleading websites and little to no accreditation to original designers, authors or developers Pinterest appears as an abandoned website run by a community that reposts and refuses to site accredited sources. Despite having a messaging system, it is rarely used and seemingly pointless due to the reposts of images. It is my belief that Pinterest is aesthetically useful but fails to be particularly useful compared to other sites such as ArtStation and Upsplash for example that appropriately link social media and have active developers seeking to create a more connective community.
D&D Beyond
D&D Beyond is the official digital toolset and game companion for Dungeons and Dragons fifth edition and is utilised as a compendium and reference system for the board game. Like a library, D&D Beyond is an excellent tool particularly because it unites players through its social systems. It’s main social media selling point is its forum and it’s easily accessible link. D&D Beyond cultivates a community and brand by providing access to exclusive social community spaces through Discord, a discussion room like Facebook messenger and even Twitch, a popular streaming service for all games alike. D&D Beyond excels at social media marketing particularly due to its ability to focus on its end user and less on a business model that focuses on profit.
References
Appendix
MyMiniFactory. https://www.myminifactory.com/
https://www.pinterest.com.au/
https://www.dndbeyond.com/