Online sellers have been using social networking sites to market their products for some time, and a recent survey seems to show that social networking can be a valuable marketing tool.
According to results of the survey, 82 percent of Internet users spend some time on social networking sites, reports researcher comScore. But Facebook and Twitter aren't the only players in the social sphere.
In fact, though Facebook reached 55 percent of the Internet audience, and accounted for one in every seven minutes spent online in October, microblogging sites also gained popularity around the world. China led the way with its microblogging site, Sina Weibo. It saw an increase of 181 percent in its number of users.
Social networks are opening a world of new opportunity for business and technology
Tumblr also gained significant traction, growing by 172 percent and becoming the 12th most popular social networking site in the world.
The report also notes that, though 15 to 24 year olds continue to be the most engaged on social networking sites, spending an average of eight hours on these sites, older audiences are also spending more time on social sites. Those 55 years of age and older represent the fastest growing segments.
Israel ranked as the top country engaged on social networking sites, with its residents spending more than 11 hours on social sites, on average. Argentina came in second with an average of 10.7 hours. Russia followed with 10.4 hours. Canada came in 10th with an average of 7.7 hours. Internet users in the U.S. averaged 6.9 hours per person.
"The emergence and widespread global adoption of social networks has vastly influenced human interaction on an individual, community and larger societal level, and underscores the convergence of the online and offline selling worlds," notes Linda Boland Abraham, comScore's chief marketing officer. "Regardless of geography, social networks are weaving themselves ever more intricately into the fabric of the digital experience, opening a world of new opportunity for business and technology."
Auctiva staff writers constantly monitor trends and best practices of those selling on eBay and elsewhere online. They attend relevant training seminars and trade shows and regularly discuss the market with PowerSellers and other market experts.
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