Released on = June 28, 2007, 2:44 am

Press Release Author = immediate futute

Industry = Internet & Online

Press Release Summary = Technology companies dominate in new research into online
social media

Press Release Body = Google, Apple, Yahoo! and Microsoft lead the way in terms of
mentions in blogs, social networks and photo and video sharing sites, a new study
reveals today. Disney, Nintendo and Google are the most positively-discussed brands
on social networks.

The 'Brands in Social Media' report, conducted by online PR specialist immediate
future (www.immediatefuture.co.uk), examines how companies from the Interbrand Top
100 Global Brands (2006) report are performing in social media. The research also
monitors positive and negative comments in groups on social network sites such as
Facebook, Flickr and MySpace to reveal who receives the most positive chatter.

Whilst the technology industry dominates the top ten brand mentions, FMCG and
Automotive industries also gain a large share of the conversation. BMW, Toyota and
Honda inspire a number of appreciation groups in social networks. In fact, all
industry sectors have their promoters and detractors online and immediate future
found that every top 100 brand was being discussed.

'Brands in Social Media' Top Ten:
1. Google
2. Yahoo!
3. Apple
4. Microsoft
5. Canon
6. Sony
7. Dell
8. eBay
9. Disney
10. Ford

Interbrand Top Ten (2006):
1. Coca- Cola
2. Microsoft
3. IBM
4. GE
5. Intel
6. Nokia
7. Toyota
8. Disney
9. McDonald's
10. Mercedes

Of all those with the highest number of conversations and mentions, only 36% ranked
in the top 25 Interbrand results. This illustrates a noticeable disparity between
the 'brand value' rankings and the perception of brands by consumers.

Katy Howell, managing director of immediate future, explains: "Social media and
consumer participation are growing at lightening speed. Conversations about brands
are unfiltered, unchecked and outside the control of marketers. Brands are being
discussed, applauded and criticised across the web. It is time for companies to pay
attention to the online conversations and look at strategies to get involved with
their audiences."

Social media is frequently driving news agendas, affecting search engine rankings
and impacting purchase decisions. Audiences are instinctively turning to the web for
information and ultimately a brand's online reputation will impact brand value.

The immediate future report highlights the necessity for companies to monitor brand
conversations. Listening to consumer opinion, identifying the influencers and
learning to participate, collaborate and share in the social media conversation are
now essential requirements for a successful brand.

"It is clear from our research that a brand's economic success offline does not
necessarily translate to a strong, positive share of voice online. Reputations are
increasingly being made and destroyed on the web. With the next Interbrand report
due shortly, it will be important to evaluate how the rise of social media affects
brand value and rankings," comments Howell.

The 'Brands in Social Media' report by immediate future is a snapshot of
conversations in April 2007. Whilst not examining influence of individual
conversations, it enables companies to understand the volume of brand interest and
opinion.

Contact: Rob Boella, immediate future, on 0845 408 2031 or email
rob.boella@immediatefuture.co.uk




Web Site = http://

Contact Details = Rob Boella
+ 44 845 408 2031
rob.boella@immediatefuture.co.uk