As if more signs were needed concerning the phenomenal rise in importance of social media… well, more just keep on a’coming. In her post over at the Social Media Examiner, Amy Porterfield summarizes still more recent research that’s right in line:
- “In 2009, there will be 18 million U.S. adults who access Twitter on any platform at least monthly. That represents a 200% increase over 2008 levels. Usage will reach 26 million U.S. adults in 2010, a further 44.4% climb.” (Source: eMarketer)
- 17% of all time spent online by Americans was at social networking sites; that’s an increase from just 6% in August 2008. (Source: The Nielsen Company)
- Over half (56.3%) of marketers stated that… social media would “realistically” be part of the mix in their 2010 marketing plan. (Source: Center for Media Research)
- Blogs are seen as the most useful tool, bringing measurable benefits to 51% of responding companies worldwide; that’s followed by video-sharing and social networking at 48% each, and RSS feeds at 45%.” (Source: McKinsey Quarterly’s “Global Survey”)
- 75% of marketers plan to increase social media use in 2010; that led a list that included Web search/SEO, email and virtual events. The study also asked marketers to rank the value of social networking platforms; LinkedIn came in on top at 26%, Facebook at 23% and Twitter at 17%. (Source: Unisfair)
Once again, the message is crystal-clear: if it isn’t already, social media really needs to be a key part of your online marketing strategy.
