Social Media Use Doubles from 12% to 24% For Small Business
A recently published study reflects that social media adoption by small businesses has doubled from 12% to 24% in the last year. The Small Business Success Index sponsored by Network Solutions and the Center for Excellence in Service at the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business says the jump is the result of small firms trying to boost their efficiency in a prolonged downturn.
Nearly one out of five small business owners are said to be actively using social media in their business according to the study. The majority of small businesses that have begun interacting on social networks have established a company page on Facebook and LinkedIn and are posting content to these platforms. Twitter and blogs are being used less frequently, as only 39 percent of small businesses using social media have started a blog and 26 percent interact on Twitter regarding their industry.
The study’s results is the impact businesses are seeing from their social interactions. 50 percent of the businesses surveyed said their social media programs are at least breaking even and an additional 22 percent have made or will make a profit this year through social media.
The majority of small businesses that have begun interacting on social networks have established a company page on Facebook and LinkedIn and are posting content to these platforms. Twitter and blogs are being used less frequently, as only 39 percent of small businesses using social media have started a blog and 26 percent interact on Twitter regarding their industry.
* 79% surveyed have a company page on a social networking site
* 61% use social media for identifying and attracting new customers
* 57% have built a network through a site like LinkedIn
* 45% expect social media to be profitable in the next 12 months.
