“This Nielsen report establishes social media as a trend that is not only here to stay, but one that is growing at a mind-boggling magnitude,” stated Bloggerwave Director Ulrik Thomsen.

What does this mean for brands?

Everything! As more people are not only flocking to the social platforms, but also spending more time on these platforms, we see a more robust, engaged audience. Sites like Facebook and Twitter (both of which were key components in the expounding growth) are becoming an intimate, personal place for users to visit and build relationships with friends, family, and affinity organizations/causes. Creating a strategy to not only get permission to participate into that online personal life, but also build two way conversations and engagements will create an amazing mutual relationship (marketing) channel with your consumers. Imagine having these personal, relevant relationships with your consumers… What could that do for brand loyalty, advocacy, and passion?