Social media marketing programs are not only here to stay, but the vast majority of businesses using them anticipate increasing those efforts according to a joint national survey conducted by Web 2.0 leaders MoreVisibility, PitchEngine and HARO (Help A Reporter Out). The survey reveals nearly 85 percent of firms that responded have a social media marketing program in place while 75 percent said they will expand their efforts. Budgets remain relatively small. Nearly 73 percent that responded said they spend less than $5,000 per year on social media marketing, 7.5 percent between $10,000 and $25,000 and 7.5 percent are spending more than $50,000. Just over five percent said they are spending more than $100,000 per year.
“This data underscores that with virtually no barriers to entry social media is a highly cost-effective marketing model for any size firm,” said MoreVisibility President, Andrew Wetzler. “You don’t have to spend a great deal of money, but you have to be very efficient and understand how to utilize these invaluable tools to generate revenue.”
Smaller firms, less than 25 employees, dominated the survey with 65 percent of the respondents in that category. Just over 15 percent were firms with 26 to100 employees 10.5 percent were in the 101 to 999 employee range while nearly eight percent had more than one thousand employees.
“It's nice to see that social media is finally being taken seriously as a communications vehicle," said Peter Shankman, Founder and CEO of HARO. "Hopefully, as more and more companies realize the value just a small investment in social media, budgets will increase as well," he added.
While the majority of the firms are relatively pleased with the success of their programs, there appears to be room for improvement. On a scale of one to five with five being outstanding, nearly 40 percent of those that responded rated their success at four while almost 39 percent rated it at three. Only 8.23 percent rated their program a five while 10.75 said two and 2.5 percent indicted they were dissatisfied with their efforts.
“It's so good to begin seeing some hard numbers behind the convergence of social media and business. There's a reason we're all so passionate about where things are headed and this provides some validation," said Jason Kintzler, Founder and CEO of PitchEngine.
Service industries were the leading category with just under 40 percent of the respondents. Not-for-profits, with 10 percent, was the second largest of the potential industry categories while “other” represented 33 percent of those that participated. Manufacturing, consumer, hospitality and retail made up the balance.
About MoreVisibility Founded in 1999, MoreVisibility is one of the world's leading Search Engine Marketing, optimization and design firms, having helped hundreds of Fortune 1000 companies and small businesses increase qualified traffic to their Web sites. In 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 MoreVisibility was named to the Inc 500/Inc 5000 list of the nation's fastest growing privately owned firms. MoreVisibility is a Google AdWords Certified Partner, Google Analytics Certified Partner, Yahoo Ambassador and a member of the MSN Search Council. MoreVisibility boasts high client retention through a team of 35 senior professionals who deliver superior performance and measurable results. Notable clients served include The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Mayo Clinic, Travel Nevada, Ritz Carlton Residential Suites, Clemson University and Perillo Tours.
No comments:
Post a Comment