A study performed by the University of Massachusetts indicates a growth in the use of social media by Fortune 500 companies.  Firstly, in 2007 when asked if use of social media was a tool they used, Fortune 500 companies replied 43% NO.  This year however, the same questions was answered 23% NO.  Meaning more companies are using social media as a tool.  What social media are they using?

• Message/Bulletin/Forum Boards have not seen much growth.  33% in 2007 vs 35% in 2008 — companies are using this type of social media but it is not a popular as other types of social media services.
• Social Networking sites to include Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, Linkedin and the like has grown to 49% in 2008 from 27% in 2007.
• Online Video has also seen fast growth from 24% in 2007 to 45% in 2008.  I assuming that this type of social media consist of youtube, ustream and other like services.
• Blogging has grown fom 19% in 2007 to 39% in 2008.  Services like WordPress, Bloggers and the like are very user-friendly and SEO enchanced.  So it doesn’t surprise me that this type of social media has grown, and I expect it to grow in 2009 too.
• Podcasting has grown, but many companies are not taking this technology to the max.  In 2007 11% reported using podcast.  This year 21% report using podcast.  I recently installed a podcast plugin to this blog — look for the “Listen Now” button.

The best news this study provides is that smaller companies are reaping the biggest benefit from social media marketing — because they are the companies pushing the social market.

Social Media Sites

• Twitter
• Youtube
• Facebook
• Ustream
• LinkedIn
• Myspace
• WordPress
• Blogger

add your favorite social media site …

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