It’s official: Facebook is off the charts. The latest numbers from Comscore show that Facebook’s growth is continuing at an incredible pace.
In December in the U.S., Facebook’s visitors more than doubled from the previous year to nearly 112 million. Additionally, they have also seen strong growth (double and triple digit) in almost all areas.
But at a time when Twitter’s growth is slowing, and Myspace is on a major decline…why is Facebook still doing so well? Mostly, because it has been very adaptive and willing to add new features without changing their core focus. But a lot of it is due to their friends. Here, in reverse order, are Facebook’s 5 best friends and how they are helping the platform grow:
5. Traditional media and marketing. Yep, who knew? But films, television programs, TV and movie stars, and more are pointing folks to Facebook in increasing number. I’m seeing more print ads mentioning Facebook pages (and Twitter). As mainstream media adapts more to Social Media, it legitimizes such things, particularly to an older demographic to whom Social Media is new.
4. Traditional Websites – As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs about the Girl Scouts and others, more websites are prominently featuring their Facebook page with the help of either a badge or widget. Sadly, many of these point to half-hearted (or less) efforts, but we will see much improvement in that area during 2010.
3. Blogs – When it comes to digital citizens, bloggers sometimes seem to be among those who “get it” most. Blogs bridge the gap between traditional websites and Social Media, mostly because of their DIY and participatory nature. Blogs are among the most popular web destinations, and more often than not they have close links to a Facebook page. The give and take between the two is a natural.
2. Twitter – I’m always amazed at how some critics discuss Twitter and Facebook as competitors, when I think they actually work best in Tandem. They have different features and uses, and yet fit each other like a glove. They play off of each other’s strengths. The interactivity between the two is very natural and organic, and Twitter certainly draws people to Facebook (and vice versa).
1. Facebook – Yep, Facebook is its own best friend. And by default, that means YOU. As Facebook listens to its users and observes how we utilize the platform, it grows and helps us to help it grow. Innovations like Facebook Connect just increase the viral beauty of the network. And they don’t just listen to one constituent. Facebook listens and responds to individual users, marketers, businesses, and developers…trying to improve the experience for all of them while not hurting one at the expense of another.
In other words, Facebook is feeding its own growth, and as we begin 2010, there seems to be no slowdown ahead.
What are your thoughts? Will Facebook continue to grow, or will “the next big thing” come along this year and turn Facebook into the next MySpace?
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