The Small Business Success Index, sponsored by Network Solutions has reported that social media adoption by small businesses in the US has doubled from 12% to 24% in the last year.
The study found that nearly one in five small business owners are actively using social media in their business. Small businesses are increasingly investing in social media applications including blogs, Facebook and LinkedIn profiles.
Key social media usage highlights include:
- 75% 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 twelve months
“In order to meet the growing challenges of a tough market last year, I was forced to consider alternative options to keep my business visible,” says small business owner Dr. Alan Glazier, CEO and Founder, Shady Grove Eye and Vision Care.
“With a very small investment in social media marketing, I was able to generate new business opportunities. Our Google ranking is consistently number one for many of the phrases people use to search for eye doctors in and around my city and we have received a “bump” in terms of new visitors to the site. My blog has been picked up by different news sources and led to media interviews. I am now recognized as a thought leader in social networking within my profession and lastly but most importantly, my marketing budget has been reduced by more than 80%.”
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