We are tech guys that are dramatically realizing that, online or offline, marketing is the key. We have a social network site that has one main purpose – connecting businesses and customers via text message. The site has been dormant for a while due to lack of marketing. A few customers on the site have all been obtained through offline approach; they are not tech savvy — we ended up having to do all work.

I have two questions: (1) how to attract new businesses or customers to jump start the site online BIG time? (2) what are the best ways to monetize a new social network site like this?

We do not have any money – but we have skills and network. We have experience in promoting products offline i.e. direct mail, door-to-door sales, guerilla marketing, telemarketing, retail channels, etc.

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Jay’s Answer: Since you’re basically starting from zero (no businesses nor customers), you need to bring in both – creating a vibrant network. Instead of trying to be all things to all people, why not start the network in your community? Focus on text messaging by local businesses for local people. Make it free for the “beta” test for everyone to use it. Work out the kinks. Get testimonials and develop case studies. Once that’s in place, bootstrap yourself to other niches/communities. Since you don’t have any money, you need to spend time to make it work.