Research

Is your company on Twitter? Twitter is now being used by 13% of online adults, which is a significant increase from the 8% of online adults who identified themselves as tweeters in November 2010, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project. In addition, Twitter use by Internet users ages 25-34 doubled since late 2010, jumping from 9% to 19% and those ages 35-44 grew from 8% to 14%.

More than 60% of homeowners are planning to hire a home service professional in the next year, according to a new research study from Kudzu.com. Of the list of professionals they plan to hire, 24% are lawn care companies. “Homeowners understand the importance of good curb appeal,” said Rhonda Hills, vice president and chief marketing officer at Kudzu.com. “Consumers know exterior enhancements can not only beautify their home, but it can also increase the home’s value.”

Consumer Reports sheds light on the state of customer service, and the numbers aren’t pretty. A recent survey found 65% of people are “tremendously annoyed” by rude salespeople. It also found that 71% of survey respondents were extremely irritated when they couldn’t reach a human on the phone and 67% said they hung up the phone without getting their issue resolved. “There’s a feeling on the part of Americans that companies are deliberately making it difficult for them by burying phone numbers, sidestepping calls and steering customers to online FAQs instead of live human beings,” said Tod Marks, senior project editor.