A couple of studies were completed recently which point to the pervasive state of social media today. eConsultancy, a digital publishing and training group worked with a couple of companies to create the State of Social Report 2011. In addition, Neilsen published the Social Media Report Q3 2011. Combined, the message can be heard loud and clear. Social media has permeated our society in a big way:
- Social networks and blogs consume almost a quarter of American’s time online.
- Nearly 4 out of 5 active internet users visit social networks and blogs.
- Close to 40% of Americans access social media content from their mobile phones.
- 64% of businesses say they are no longer in an experimental stage when it comes to social media – up 10% from the year before.
- 52% of businesses use Facebook and 50% use Twitter.
- 80% of businesses have integrated social media activity with their email marketing. Blogs and video are also part of many company’s strategies.
“Social media has moved well beyond the land-grab phase, and this latest research unlines the fact that brands are now taking this seriously and embracing the opportunity that this presents to connect to their customers base.” Said Lyndsay Menzies, CEO of bigmouthmedia. “The increased convergence of the channels, in particularly search and social media, is fuelling adoption as awareness, advocacy and acquisition become intrinsically linked.”
It seems clear that companies have a wonderful integrated marketing opportunity staring them in the face. Instead of focusing on one channel such as television to reach prospective buyers, you now have multiple channels to deploy a integrated strategy. For instance, you combine TV, radio, email, QR codes, landing pages, Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin – all on one single marketing program.
Are you ready to embrace your integrated marketing future?
Photo: iStockPhoto.com
Good read Jeff. Thanks!