Online Marketing Consultant.

So Friends Reunited is free and hoping to take on Facebook. Many would say it’s taken ITV, owners of Friends Reunited, far too long to drop the subscription model.

With 19 million registered users the website doesn’t fall into the niche/specialist social network category. Instead it’s hoping to take on the broader networks like Facebook.

Here are five things Friends Reunited has to its advantage over Facebook…

1. The Privacy Debate
Trust in some social networks is decreasing because of debates sorrounding how private data is collected and used for advertising purposes. Friends Reunited as a brand has so far managed not to fall foul of such negative PR.

2. Audience Age
The older audience, who are more likely to worry about their privacy, will have more money to spend, and more free time to use the internet. This means extra revenue driving opportunities and more advertisers seeking [older] people with higher disposable incomes.

3. ITV Network
With ITV.com’s Catch Up service becoming more popular it’s the perfect time to showcase the new Friends Reunited with in-house promotion.

4. Genes Reunited
Genealogy is big business. If they can successfully use genealogy as a hook into the main website they’re onto a winner.

5. It’s British
Nowt wrong with a bit of national pride!

My take is that, although it’s unlikely to rule the social networking world, there is a definitely a market for Friends Reunited.

PS - If you’re impressed with the new Timeline feature on Friends Reunited, I suggest you check out miomi.com