As social networking becomes more of a staple of online life, businesses and website owners need to keep websites like MySpace and Facebook in mind when creating online content… and when decided how to spend those advertising dollars.  If site visits stats aren't enough to convince you of the emergence of social networking, maybe millions of dollars in acquisitions will.

According to a variety of sources, Yahoo has been snatching up social networking start-ups at a fevered pitch.

First came the announcement that Yahoo had agreed to purchase Bix, an online contest-hosting site.  Bix, which allows individuals and corporations to create contests and upload contest data, released an announcement on their website, but few details are provided.  In addition, Yahoo is reportedly in talks to purchase MyBlogLog, a blog-based community building website, for $10 million.

Since coming under fire from industry analysts for its lack of investment into online social networking, Yahoo has acquired several other companies, including Flickr, an online photo-sharing website, and del.icio.us, a social bookmarking site.  It has also launched internal ventures such as Yahoo! 360 in an attempt to compete with social networking sites MySpace, Facebook, and YouTube (a recent acquisition of Google), among others.

The signs are pointing to an integration of traditional online activities and social networking.  Look at MySpace.  It combines photo/video sharing, blogging, music, and chat with friend's lists, customizable profiles, and groups.  Advertising created for MySpace is seen by millions of users.  Even the log-in and sign-up pages sport advertisements.

As you plan your 2007 advertising budget and start ramping up next years marketing machines, keep social networking in mind.  If Yahoo is willing to fork over millions of dollars to up it's social ante you should be interested in getting your marketing foot in that door.