An expert has predicted that the vast majority of people and companies will have joined the social media conversation within two years.

An expert has predicted that the vast majority of people and companies will have joined the social media conversation within two years.

Social media will become indispensable to firms within the next two years, an expert has predicted, with some 92 per cent of people and 80 per cent of companies expected to use it regularly by 2012.

In a blog on WNW Design, John Barrow said 55 per cent of big corporate firms, which may include parcel delivery and courier services companies, are already utilising the power of social media.

"In two years' time, almost all of your targeted consumer base will be using social media to check out their favorite brands," the expert advised.

"If you have not built a strong presence by then, even the best of SEO [search engine optimisation] packages may fizzle out in results."

Social media marketing should be used in tandem with viral marketing and "affordable" SEO packages, Mr Barrow went on to say.

According to a recent poll from SEI Wealth Network, 70 per cent of multi-millionaires are users of Facebook and other social media websites.

Article Added: 26/10/2010 17:14:44