Social Media/Network is Popular with Online Shoppers (& Vacation Rental Bookers)

I thought maybe it was just my wife and kids (I have been watching then get more active on www.Facebook.com and my wife has developed quite a following on her blog www.wenderful.com), but I have come to realize that we seem to be at an inflection point in the utilization of online social networking.  Here is the most scientific  evidence I have for this - my mother-in-law has a Facebook profile.  Now it is mainstream for sure!!

If that is not scientific enough for you, here is some more data from a recent study by Universal McCann International Social Media Research.  Check out this study for some amazing detail and info.

• Watched a video  82.9%

• Read a blog 72.8%

• Visit a photo sharing site  63.2%

• Manage a profile on a social network  57.3%

• Leave a comment on a blog  54.8%

• Leave a comment on a news site  44.8%

• Subscribe to an RSS feed  33.7%

What this means to you?  Here is my opinion. 

• First, you get familiar with these sites, tools, networks.  Understand them, do not rely on anyone else to define them for you.  If you do not consider yourself technical, do not let than be a roadblock, the point of these social sites and networks is that they are for humans - not techie guys. 

• Second, match your target audience and target message to the appropriate online social channel.

Hope this helps in your vacation home rentals.

Ralf

www.LiveRez.com