Social Networking has exploded in popularity in the last few years. Social Networks such as Facebook and MySpace are two of the most visited sites on the internet, both with members numbering in the hundreds of millions. However, those two are general, mainstream social networks. There are now also many smaller networks focused on specific subjects, interests or vocations. These niche social networks are also rapidly increasing in popularity.

A niche social network has a more focused user base. For example, there are niche social networks for pet lovers, single moms and book lovers to name a few. Niche social networks like these allow tight knit communities of like-minded individuals to connect, share and make new friends. Members can often receive advice and support from people who know and are passionate about their interest just as much as themselves. Such networks are also appealing to advertisers as they have targeted demographics to advertise and market to. Companies can be active participants thus building their brand and image.

With so many niche social networks now in existence, how can an interested party find one that they want to be a part of? After all most of the smaller networks will not be that well known or advertised around the internet. Well here are some easy ways:

You can perform a search on Google by typing in your area of interest, plus the words "social network". This should bring up at least one if not a few suitable websites. The problem with this approach is that some of the results may not actually be a social network per se but instead maybe a news story or an article.

Another way of finding a niche social network is to go to Ning.com. Ning is a website where anyone can create their own social network for any subject quickly and easily. Search their existing social networks or if you don't find what you're looking for, create your own! The drawback with searching on Ning is that you can only join networks created on Ning and to be honest, there are some of dubious quality.