60% of Americans use social media sites

Almost 60% of Americans interact with companies on a social media Web site, and 25% interact more than once per week, 2008 Cone Business in Social Media Study says. 93% of Americans believe a company should have a presence in social media, while an overwhelming 85% believe a company should not only be present but also interact with its consumers via social media. 56% of American consumers feel both a stronger connection with and better served by companies when they can interact with them in a social media environment. Americans believe that companies should use social networks to solve my problems (43%). Companies should solicit feedback on their products and services (41%). Companies should develop new ways for consumers to interact with their brand (37%). Companies should market to consumers (25%). Men, a much sought-after target in the online space, are twice as likely as women to interact frequently (one or more times per week) with companies via social media (33% to 17%, respectively).