Howdy, everyone. We’ve rounded up some of the top stories in the social media world to help you stay up to speed with trends and developments that will enhance your online marketing strategy and experience. This week we have two articles about the social sphere (cause-based initiatives) and social media, so we might even call that a theme.

Be on the lookout every week for news, tips from pros, reviews, emerging technology, and a whole bundle of thought-provoking articles on this ever-developing, exciting world of social media.

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10 Beautiful Social Media Infographics. If you’re a visual learner, these are ten images you need to see. Mobile phone usage, social media comparisons, demographics information, and much more. These infographics really allow us to see just what’s going on with social media today. Eye candy for a social media nerd if we ever saw it.

How to Get the Social-Media Generation Behind Your Cause. Do you run an issues-based cause? Ninety-Six percent of 18-34 year olds are on Facebook. Here are ten tips for getting youth involved in your ideas and activities.

6 Challenges to managing your brand on the social web. We talk a lot about the opportunities in social media, naturally. But what are some challenges that you’re going to face? Mashable gives us the top concerns of six different social media experts and how to address them.

How the Gulf Coast Benefit Is Using Social Media To Rally Support. Social media can play a crux role in any marketing strategy, whether it’s helping your business or, in this case, entering the social work sphere. What can other social causes learn from the Gulf Coast social media strategy?

Flickr credit BrianSolis