Social Media Works In The Business Arena

We have spoken about the power of the Internet and its use as a business tool before. We all have websites and many are enjoying the benefits of blogs and video integrated into our sites. The next wave being promoted as a viable business tool is the use of social media. It’s a much more subtle a tool as it resists direct marketing efforts but if used effectively, it can provide huge impact on the marketplace. Below is a chart compiled by www.marketingsherpa.com. Check it out, it is screaming, “use me!”

Though Vertical Response reported a few months ago that 85% of start-ups and 75% of established businesses use social media tools, many business are still slow to adopt social media marketing strategies. The following chart MarketingSherpa looks at where businesses find social media to be most effective. This is based on a survey fielded in December.

These are some interesting statistics. Clearly, the effectiveness of social media far outweighs ineffectiveness. Over 90% of companies believe social media is most effective in building brand reputation and awareness as opposed to direct marketing strategies.

“You might expect the revenue-producing goals of direct marketing to rank higher than branding during a recession,” says MarketingSherpa. “The conversational and relationship-building nature of social media, however, is more synonymous with PR, which is more likely to help accomplish branding goals.”

Still, the direct marketing potential is nothing to shake a stick at. The chart illustrates wonderfully that there are a variety of ways your business can benefit by using social media. The major point here is that irrespective of what your specific goals may be in utilizing social media tools like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter or Linkedin, they reach the market very effectively and influence your customers’ actions and opinions.

Check it out. If you are unsure of what this is all about ask your teenage son or daughter they will surely explain it to you!