Are Social Media Apps Becoming the New Means of ...

Let?s face it ? many of us have become dependent on cell phones. They not only offer us the extended travel ability that a cordless home phone doesn?t, but they also offer us many added features and benefits, many of which we never thought possible. Who knew one day we?d be talking to our cell phones, commanding them to play a song for us?

One added feature that the majority of today?s cell phones offer is the internet. And, with the internet comes the ability to communicate on various social media sites. Social media sites have significantly grown in popularity with new users surfacing every second and many users are still hooked years after joining sites. It should come as no shock, then, that the number of people using social media sites via mobile has significantly climbed.

But, what?s even more interesting is that social media apps are becoming communication mediums themselves. A report from the International Telecommunication Union noted that social media apps now provide similar communication platforms like cell phones such as voice and text features.

Facebook recently updated its Messenger for iOS and Android apps, which allow users to see if someone read your message and you can tell if someone is typing. Also, you can see the name of a town or city from which a message was sent.

But, why ? Why would Facebook take the time to create such an app for cell phones? Facebook is already ranked the most popular social media site and stands far ahead of its social competitor, Twitter.

Well, I?d say because cell phone users are easily fascinated by such apps. The new messaging experience will have users hooked instantly.

What does this mean for businesses?

While the Facebook app may not directly correspond to online businesses, businesses could learn a few things from it.

First, customers love mobile technology since they can access the internet on the go. So, if you don?t already have a mobile site, now?s the time to get started on creating one. Following that point, if your business isn?t involved in social media, clearly now is the time. Social media sites have become increasing popular by users everywhere and they offer businesses the opportunity to conveniently and quickly communicate with customers. ?Lastly, just as cell phone users love upgrades, customers love the latest products and services. You can keep your business alive and your competition ahead of the game by offering new products and services.

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Last updated by jjohnson at May 21, 2012.

Continue reading:

1. Microsoft and Facebook, Social Data in Search Results, & What It Means for Businesses
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3. Social Media Selection Made Simple: Location-Focused Networks
4. Real Estate Professionals Buy into Social Media because it Sells
5. Getting in the Conversation Between Social Media Users

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