Searches to Facebook in the UK rocketed during the last quarter of 2008, putting the site in second place after Google.co.uk, writes Brand Republic. 1 in every 42 online searches included the term "Facebook" and the site received 52% more searches than YouTube. Overall, Facebook was included in 2.39% of all UK searches, followed by YouTube (1.57%), eBay (1.25%) and Bebo (0.96%). The BBC came in fifth with 0.86% and was the most searched for "offline" brand during the period.
Facebook launched a redesign of many of its features this month, including a new "Twitter-style" follow feature which allows users to track updates from celebrities and businesses. The firm is also set to increase the speed of updates and profile changes on the site.
From Brand Republic: http://www.brandrepublic.com, 05/03/2009
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com