How Social Media Marketing Is Being Used To Grow Your Business ...

Last updated 11 hours ago

Social media now reaches more than 80 percent of internet users, such stats have massive implications for the world of online retail. A study of 3,800 marketers by Social Media Examiner examined how they are using social media to grow and promote their business. A significant 83% of marketers said that social media was important to their business and 59% of marketers are using social media for 6 hours or more and 33% for 11 or more hours weekly.

The top two benefits of social media marketing are increasing exposure and increasing traffic. Nearly two-thirds of marketers are using social media to gain marketplace intelligence (65%). Tied for fourth place, 58% of marketers indicated generating leads and developing loyal fans were benefits of social media. While these support building name recognition and provide expanded information about your target audience, they don?t fulfill the top business objectives of translating to sales.

Social Media Examiner's research provides the 3 important trends that impact the small business owner:

1. Improved Sales - it takes time to develop relationships that lead to sales. For example, 58% of marketers who have been using social media for more than 3 years report it has helped them improve sales. Small business owners with 2 or more employees were more likely to see improved sales from social media. 60% of all marketers taking this survey has not helped them improve sales, this could be because they lack the tools.
2. Generated Leads - by spending as little as 6 hours per week, 61% of marketers see lead generation benefits with social media. This is a significant increase over 2011. A strong 78% of marketers with 3+ years of experience gained leads from social media marketing.
3. Improved Search Rankings - were most prevalent among those who've been using social media for a year or longer, with nearly 59% or more reporting a rise.

There is no denying that social media has made huge strides on the web but it also requires setting the right goals and objectives to impact your sales. We see a rapidly growing number of small businesses include social media ideas and strategies in their goals but implementing a tracking number, promotional giveaway or analytics is important in reporting the activity generated from your social media marketing efforts.

How are you tracking your sales and measuring your traffic from your social media efforts?

Brad Sharenow, Senior Internet Marketing Consultant with ReachLocal NYC helping businesses acquire, manage, retain online customers through online marketing strategies.

Give him a call at (877) 411-3777 to schedule a Free Consultation

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