As internet usage has grown, so too have the various online networks which connect family, friends, colleagues and people with shared interests.

 

Being able to accurately visualise networks has big implications for influencer mapping, identification and outreach. If you can discover who the idea starters, amplifiers or adapters are, you are at a distinct advantage.

 

The good news is that there already are some excellent free tools available which utilise ‘big data’ to understand the composition of networks, identify influencers and inform outreach.

 

Here’s four such tools I’ve been using over the last couple of months:

 

1. TouchGraph (Facebook) http://goo.gl/RTwlc

 

2. Google+ Ripples (Google+) http://goo.gl/eEUTR

 

3. MentionMap (Twitter) http://goo.gl/bNYPb

 

4. InMaps (LinkedIn) http://goo.gl/Z17sD

 

Read more : http://goo.gl/9r5jR