Social Networking Gains Momentum
Listed under: News
Published: Thursday, June 10, 2010
A recent report from online competitive intelligence service, Experian Hitwise, has revealed that social networking sites, such as Facebook, now receive more internet visits than search engines, accounting for approximately 11.88% of all online activity.
Although Google remains the most popular website overall – taking credit for nine in every 10 searches carried out in the UK in May – the findings show that Facebook now provides 55% of all social networking traffic in Britain – almost three times as much as its closest rival, YouTube.
Commenting on the findings, Robin Goad, research director at Experian Hitwise, says, “Social networks are a key part of the online landscape in the UK, and their popularity continues to grow. Although these sites and search engines perform different functions, they both act as gateways to the wider internet, and this data perfectly illustrates the key role that social media now plays in online behavior.”
He adds, “Many marketers and brand owners have yet to grasp the full potential of social media, but spending on the channel will increase as more proven success stories emerge. There will be particular opportunities for sectors that have traditionally struggled with online and remained tied to traditional media.”
Although Google remains the most popular website overall – taking credit for nine in every 10 searches carried out in the UK in May – the findings show that Facebook now provides 55% of all social networking traffic in Britain – almost three times as much as its closest rival, YouTube.
Commenting on the findings, Robin Goad, research director at Experian Hitwise, says, “Social networks are a key part of the online landscape in the UK, and their popularity continues to grow. Although these sites and search engines perform different functions, they both act as gateways to the wider internet, and this data perfectly illustrates the key role that social media now plays in online behavior.”
He adds, “Many marketers and brand owners have yet to grasp the full potential of social media, but spending on the channel will increase as more proven success stories emerge. There will be particular opportunities for sectors that have traditionally struggled with online and remained tied to traditional media.”
