Social media has not only transformed how we communicate with each other, but it has even changed how we, as consumers, interact with brands, companies, and agencies. The old forms of customer service and customer relationships have been challenged by the direct and open access that Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and other social media services have sparked.
That's why the #OpenWebAwards for Brands, Startups, Companies, and Agencies are so intriguing. It provides us a chance to recognize the companies that are leveraging social media in extraordinary ways. This year's honors in the Brand category are diverse, including Best Brand use of Facebook, Best Corporate Blog, Best Brand Use of Twitter, and Favorite Social media Gadget.
Luckily for you, there are a ton of choices. Over the years we've covered some of the best brands on Twitter, the top performing brands on Facebook, some of the smartest brands in social media, and leaders in YouTube marketing. And this only scratches the surface of how brands have utilized social media as a positive force.
There is no shortage of brands, startups, companies, or agencies to nominate for this years awards. It's up to you to figure out who deserves them the most.
Vote for your favorites
We'd like to know your choices for Best Brand Use of Facebook, Best Brand Use of YouTube, Best Brand Use of Twitter, Best Corporate Blog, Social Media Ad Campaign, Social Media Gadget, Social Media Agency, and Best Non-Profit Use of Social Media in this year's Open Web Awards.
The nominating process is simple, just visit the Open Web Awards site, sign in with Twitter or Facebook, and tell us your favorites. Nominations will remain open until 11:59 PM, ET on Sunday, November 15th.
Some of the leaders in the Brand/Startup/Company/Agency categories so far are (in no particular order):
Best Brand Use of Facebook
- Zynga
- Playfish
- Facebuko
Best Brand Use of YouTube
- Smosh
Best Brand Use of Twitter
- @Digsby
- @KiWeets
Best Corporate Blog
- Grown Up Thinking by Mr Youth
- uTest
- OkTrends
- SoGoPro
- ArcelorMittal: The Inside Story
Best Non-Profit Use of Social Media
- PETA
Social Media Ad Campaign
- People's Choice Awards on MySpace
Social Media Agency
- Mr Youth
- Jam
- TheKBuzz
- 360i
- Room 214
Social Media Gadget
- Digsby
- AddThis
- AddToAny
- Wetoku
- Tigerbow
- SocialGo
- Yoono
Continue to nominate your favorites at Mashable.com/OWA
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