Spending on word-of-mouth marketing rose 14.2% to $1.54 billion in 2008, despite the worst economic recession in 70 years, according to new research from PQ Media (www.pqmedia.com). WoM spending is on pace to grow another 10.2% this year, placing it among the fastest growing advertising and marketing segments.
Industry spending increased as the rise in popularity of blogs, social networks and online communities led brands to shift dollars to WoM as part of integrated media solutions in their quest to engage more elusive consumers.
Digital 3000 