Earlier this week the News Sentinel ran a story on social media trends in 2011, and I’m glad to have my thoughts included. I’ve built on those trends from the story below and expanded them to include additional details.

Social on the Go

Smartphones and tablets have turned our social media consumption mobile, and the trend will only continue to increase in 2011. Increased usage will create connected consumers who will interact with where they are and each other in new ways, and this will mean deeper experiences for everyone.

This will not just impact how you engage with your friends; it will change how you interact with the restaurants and retailers where you shop.

Nuevo Niche

Our Facebook and Twitter feeds have led to information overload. As a result, niche communities will grow in demand as quick access to the conversations and information we want to be part of becomes the primary focus.

This means that on Facebook, you may only want to see updates from your local friends in your news feed or on Twitter we may see a trend where people will reduce the number of accounts they follow.

End of the 1-800 Number

Businesses and customers will begin to place greater emphasis on the feedback they receive from social networks as empowered customers make it clear that they want to be interacted with on their terms. Not just for customer service anymore, this will be the year that social media brings both customers and businesses together for even more valuable methods of communication.

What do you think will change in 2011?