Monetizing Social Networks – Part 3

Sometimes, monetizing does not necessarily mean cash in it’s purest form. The latest trend in social gaming is to leverage friends as cash. In other words, online games are allowing you to gain that special armor or get virtual cash or new clothes by inviting a friend to the game. Want the best race car available but don’t have the cash to buy it? Invite 20 friends and it’s yours!

An off-shoot of this trend is to allow friends and players to trade virtual items and keep a cut of all monies exchanged. Players win because they get new items they did not have before and don’t have to earn it. You win because you make money from the transaction. You also act as a go-between, making sure the transaction is conducted safely and securely, thereby allowing you to charge for it.