In the middle of March, Facebook surpassed Google in web visits for the first time. This historic event came just as ComScore reported that Facebook is an increasingly important tool for search marketing as search activity on the social network spiked in February.
Now, a report from Gigya indicates that referral traffic from social media might be the best way for businesses to boost their brand. The report, called Social is the Next Search indicates that social networks, as platforms for opinion sharing, are important for businesses in generating new clients.
Social Email Marketing says that the Gigya report shows about 20 percent of online users have started treating social media as a key navigational tool. Users rely on friends’ comments and recommendations to find web content that is relevant to them.
The report suggests that consumers turn to their friends because they are inundated with online advertisements. Reviews available from trusted individuals help web surfers filter out information they find on the internet when making purchasing decisions.
Business owners might take advantage of this information and try to build a loyal following on social network sites. Offering social media fans rebates and rewards for referring customers could result in revenue increases in 2010.