Getting The Word Out About Your Firm:  Just the Facts!

By Alice Adams on 07/12 at 10:53 PM

Universal McCann, a full-service communications planning organization, recently released a new report on the impact of social media (such as blogs, social networks, online video) on the media landscape.

 

In compiling the report, UM surveyed 17,000 Internet users worldwide in March 2008. The report found that social media, in particular blogs, are "becoming a more important part of global media consumption for internet users than some traditional media channels." The report also found that social media is a global phenomenon (29 countries were surveyed), although there are cultural differences in how people use it.

 

The report states that "video clips, blogs, podcasts, social networks and RSS are all essential components of the online media diet."

 

Here are other key findings:

• 83% watch video clips, up from 62% in the last study in June 2007
• 78% read blogs, up from 66%
• 57% of internet users are now members of a social network
• RSS consumption is growing rapidly up from 15% to 39%
• Podcasts are now mainstream digital content, listened to by 48%

 

Social networks (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) have been "a key driver for the growth of social media":

• 22% of social network users have installed a widget or applications
• 55% have shared photos
• 22% have shared their videos
• 31% have started a blog
• The world's biggest social network is MySpace with 32% weekly reach followed by Facebook on 23%

 

So, what does it all mean to funeral service firms -- in Texas as well as across the country? These facts make it necessary for you to think about how your firm is positioned in the social media:

 

Do you have a blog?

 

Are there photos and videos?

 

Are you, individually or as a firm, on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or others?

 

If not, it's time to consider making a few changes.

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