As population struggles make a buck and get a job no doubt they’ll be turning to any and all available outlets for satisfaction- that means more web, more escapism, more facebook, twitter, free video, free music, free probably won’t pay for anything comes to mind.

All things considered its a great time to be on the web because nearly anything you want is practically free.

So the attention is there, I get that, but how you can effectively bank on that- that’s still up in the air.

Your in a race not only to gain coveted awareness but useful meaningful context. Its something your brand should of figured out before the web ever arrived.

If anything it may force brands into an uncomfortable space of actually caring above and beyond what they thought was the norm. They could be venturing into the dangerous waters of utter BS which nearly everyone on the planet can sniff out.

So sure, social media will get more attention, much like rising crime, clipping coupons and pirating movies will. But I don’t think its a “boom” in the bag sorta deal. It may even be a logistical challenge in that you’ll have to decide where you want to be- twitter, youtube, facebook, ning, your own social network, is that compatible with your customer, do you know your customers?

As for the experts in social media, anyone who’s been in a few betas and or addicted to twitter is potentially swooping down on your prospects, expert o plenty afoot. Because the barriers to build/listen/measure social media tools and outlets are nearly free its a mass free for all out there in social media expert mayhem.

Fun times ahead!

Thanks for the comment. And you’re right, it does make sense.

I tend to take the pragmatic approach to differentiating those who are good from those who are bad. Judge it on results. Ask their clients what they did and how they helped. Good practitioners will have tangibly helped their clients make more from social media and will have clear ROI stories to back it up. Others won’t.

Matt