We are doing a series of 2012 web design trends, and our sixth prediction for web design trends in 2012 is social media integration.

Social media is everywhere. It’s on our computers, phones, televisions and even in our cars. Social media integration will not be going away any time soon (at least not in the next few years).

My favorite websites with social media integration are from local designers (located in central Indiana). When I began this blog topic, I knew exactly which three websites I would showcase:

Our website (TBH Creative) puts an emphasis on social media integration linked from the bottom of each page as well as the left sidebar on interior pages. We link to our client’s social media pages as well under our portfolio. Custom social media icons that match your website design are an excellent option. They blend in well with the design and don’t look like they were just thrown in there.

TBH Creative’s home page. Visit the site for the full experience.

Kevin Thornbloom’s website has very unique social media integration. You will need to visit the site to get the full experience. When you click on the buttons, it changes the title accordingly. Kevin uses kthornbloom as his username on every social media site, so it makes it very easy to use this technique!

Kevin Thornbloom’s home page.

The Basement’s contact page is very entertaining. The social media birds hop around on the telephone wire as you’re on the contact page. They also have custom social media icons, which makes the website flow together very well.

The Basement’s home page. Visit the site for the full experience.

Social media integration is key in web development this year. Now, more than ever, people are spending more time on social media sites than any other site on the web. For example, four out of the seven tabs on my browser are social media sites. News stories, friend updates, funny pictures: you name it, you can probably find it on a social media site.

Is your website in need of social media integration? There’s a team for that! TBH Creative specializes in social media and much more. In today’s digital world, your Internet presence is more than just your website. A social media strategy could help you gain the competitive advantage.