The numbers are trending nicely for social media. A new piece of research out this week estimates the global social network ad spend will top $8 billion next year and approach $10 billion the year after. There’s another social media figure on the rise too: despite the increased investment in social, companies are getting blindsided by the social media-fueled PR crisis, as our recent research into this shows. Here then are a few important tips to consider for integrating social media into your crisis communications plan.

Last week, Procter & Gamble’s Pampers brand faced down a massive public outcry on its new Dry Max diaper brand, started by irate mommy bloggers and their Facebook friends. Angry parents bombarded local news and social media channels claiming the new diaper was giving their newborns serious chemical burns.

The news that the ad network Glam Media has acquired ad optimizer AdaptiveAds may bolster the hopes of those who’ve had a sinking feeling about advertising in the current economic downturn. The acquisition means Glam …