From Cheri Cowell's desk:

In preparing for a weekend retreat I'm hosting on Marketing for writers I came across these social media stats. If you need a push to join the social media bandwaggon, perhaps these social media stats will help you decide to jump on board.

• 9% Of Consumers can be reached through e-mail only; 53% Of consumers can be reached through e-mail and facebook.

• With over 500 million users, Facebook is now used by 1 in every 13 people on earth, with over 250 million of them (over 50%) who log in every day.

• 48% of 18-34 year olds check Facebook when they wake up, with 28% doing so before even getting out of bed. The 35+ demographic is growing rapidly, now with over 30% of the entire Facebook user base. The core 18-24 year old segment is growing the fastest at 74% year on year.

• On average 77 people are reached by a shared message on a social media site.

Convinced? I am. So, where does one begin? If you don't have a Facebook Page yet, begin there. Begin with a Personal Page and then after you get the hang of it, create a Fan Page from your Personal Page. There are a lot of reason for this, but one important one is that you can invite "fans" from your Personal Page.

Another step is to try Twitter – the microblogging site. You will only know if you are a Twitterer if you give it a try. Some people find they love Twitter and others determine Facebook is their thing.

But one thing is certain. We all need to be on the social media bandwaggon because, as these stats prove, it is where the world is gathering. 

I'd love to hear your feedback on this article. Join me on Facebook and Twitter.

If you want to learn about the Marketing in the Mountains writers retreat I'm hosting in Gatlinburg Sept 2-4, 2011, download a brochure at www.CheriCowell.com