With some current estimates suggesting that over 33% of the world’s population now enjoys Internet access, the impact of the Information Age continues to expand worldwide.

If you believe those estimates, they mean that nearly two billion people have access to the Internet on a global basis.  And those two billion people are using that access in different ways; for example, 41% of Americans now get their news primarily from the Internet, compared just 24% going back to 2007 (source: Switched.com survey).

More significantly, the holiday season at the end of 2010 ushered in brand new records for online shopping.  A ComScore.com study reported that over $30B was spent for during the holiday shopping season (November – December) last year, a figure that exceeded 2009’s volume by an impressive 12%.

Social Media’s part to play in all those statistics was also more apparent in 2010.  A study conducted by Media Logic reports that one holiday hotspot, the Bed Bath and Beyond brick-and-mortar chain, experienced a staggering 1210% increase in Facebook “likes” during the holidays. The towel and bedspread giant followed that up with a still notable performance in January of this year, with a likes increase of 27%.  Media Logic also reported the following holiday increases in Facebook likes and social media recognition:

• CVS pharmacy likes increased 350% in December, 2010
• Office Max likes expanded 90% in December
• Best Buy grew its likes by 45% in December, followed by 16% more in January
• Nordstrom’s Twitter fan base grew by 95%

The lesson is clear.  Social media is continuing its undeniable march into the world of all things Internet-related.  And from our perspective, it seems that 2011 is starting off with excellent opportunities and promising prospects everywhere social media marketing is involved.

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