The integration of social media and business has come of age: 38% of CEOs now label it a high priority, and 57% of businesses plan to hike their social media spend in 2012 (Booz Allen/Buddy Media).

As the use of social media advances across the business spectrum, Edelman's David Armano has put together a list of  the major social trends for 2012.

Might one of them hold untold riches for you? Take heed of these highlights, get the team together, and get creative!

Convergence. Social will go "transmedia," further integrating with the offline world. Example: Last year, Domino's Pizza posted unfiltered consumer feedback, from across the Internet, on screens in Times Square. Watch for more of the same.

Influence scores. Everyone has digital influence, some more than others, and it pays off. The race is on to develop a system for quantifying that influence. Consider Klout's efforts to track it and offer influencers "perks."

→ end article preview
Read the Full Article