What is Social Media?

Social Media, also commonly known as “New Media”, has become widely popular over the past few years. And… no, it is not just a fad. In 2009, you will need to pay close attention to Social Media as it will continue to become more prominent on the web.

So what is Social Media exactly?

Social Media is online communication, or web-based conversations, that are centered on user interaction within unique communities around shared interests.

All social software enables user-generated (consumer-generated) content and depending on which tool is used, it can also include photos, videos and audio.

Social Media includes: social networks, blogs, wikis, podcasts, forums, content communities and microblogging.

Here are a few examples of Social Media sites (with lots of Google “juice”):

1. Facebook “helps you connect and share with the people in your life”.
Popularity: Currently has over 130 million active users. (January 2009)

2. LinkedIn is another social networking site but focused on the business side.
Popularity: Over 34 million professionals use this site. (January 2009)

3. YouTube is a video sharing website.
Popularity: 3rd most visited site (after Yahoo! and Google – Janurary 2009).

Are you overlooking Social Media in your online marketing campaign?