To blog or not to blog… is no longer the question.

So why would a blogger write about blogging? To be perfectly honest, I had no idea to the effects of blogging prior to beginning this one. I understand the online community is vast, but how big of a deal could a socially-based web page be? Recent college grads are learning the importance of cleaning up Facebook pictures for employment and parents are learning the fundamentals of reconnecting with old friends on Classmates. There’s a little bit of a social aspect to so much that is on the internet.

Social networking nights are a popular business building tradition associated with mingling amongst professionals to learn about opportunities, events, and just meet others in a non-work setting. Most businesses are familiar with the benefits of social networking… so why not take advantage of the largest social network available? A new study outlined in InternetRetailer conducted by Nielsen Online shows that internet member communities (blogs and social networks) are the fourth most popular online category, behind only search engines, general interest, and software manufacturing sites.

Not only are social networking sites seeing increased popularity, but the amount of times users spend at them have increased 63% from last year. John Burbank, CEO of Nielsen Online says, “Social networking has become a fundamental part of the global online experience.” With the advent of mobile web browsers, social networking sites are enjoying even more popularity with “on-the-go” functions and phone-friendly applications.

Facebook, lauded as the world’s most popular social network, is said to be visited monthly by 3 of every 10 people online. No, not just 3 out of every 10 bloggers, but 3 of 10 people ONLINE. These are astonishing numbers, and with the booming success of Twitter, Facebook is having to revamp its site in order to continue to be competitive in the in the online social networking arena, according to the Ecommerce Times.

Blogs and social networks are also wonderful contributors for eCommerce solutions, boosting SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and showing higher levels of relevance of web-based content. What better way to get your message across than through a channel with tremendous online growth? The question now stands, “why not blog?”

Stop by the ShopVisible client Beehive Co-Op blog for great info on contemporary style, entrepreneurship, and buying locally.

ShopVisible is an eCommerce solution headquartered in Atlanta, GA.