According to Nielson’s latest U.S. Digital Consumer Report, 81 billion minutes were spent on social networks or blogs in 2011. To help put that number in perspective, consider that in 2005 it was “only” 6.6 billion minutes.

This explosive growth in consumers’ use of social media means that the time to make your site more socially accessible is right now. Because of this potential for a dramatically larger audience, small businesses and online retailers must be prepared to serve social cravings with the most appropriate tools for engagement.

As you consider your options for capitalizing on the tremendous social growth curve, here are a few tips to help you attract website visitors and ensure that your site is truly socially accessible.

• Feature Popular Products, Fresh Content

• Feature Video Content

• Socialize Your Content

Whatever you decide, remember that there is a wide variety of low-cost, low-barrier and low learning-curve options to help you get started. If you haven’t made your site socially appealing to your most avid fans, you are missing out on a potentially game-changing opportunity for your small business.

Read entire article: Website Magazine