SmallBusinessNewz

Nielsen has released a report looking at time spent on social network and blogging sites, and found that these accounted for 17% of all time spent online in August. That is about three times the amount of time spent on them during the same period a year ago.

"This growth suggests a wholesale change in the way the Internet is used," said Jon Gibs, vice president, media and agency insights, Nielsen’s online division. "While video and text content remain central to the Web experience – the desire of online consumers to connect, communicate and share is increasingly driving the medium’s growth."

Naturally, advertising dollars follow where time is spent. Nielsen has compiled the following chart looking at year-over year percentage change in online ad spend by industry:

Yes, it makes sense for ad dollars to follow the trend of time spent at social networks and blogs, but it also means that the need to participate is also growing. You can advertise, but engagement and communication will greatly improve your ability to help your customers, and ultimately your reputation as a result.