Social media has become rooted in the way consumers are learning about and connecting with brands. Users area almost constantly connected, with applications on desktops, tablets, smartphones allowing easy and quick access to Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest the minute something goes viral.
Using these mediums has become key for brands looking to expand their customer base. In a recent study conducted by Forrester Consulting, they found that paid ads on social networks are the number one way that users are discovering and engaging with brands and products.
In fact, nearly one-third of all respondents said they learn about new goods and companies through reading and postings on social networking sites. Search engines are still being used for research but social networks (where you can often read reviews, see which of your friends are already familiar and solicit feedback) are quickly rising becoming the main source of information.