A report by online networking tool and professional network provider
LinkedIn has suggested that SMEs are now better at utilizing social media for marketing purposes. LinkedIn’s study, entitled “Priming the Economic Engine”, suggests that social media is social media is helping smaller companies find new customers and predicts a rosy 2014 as far as social media marketing is concerned.
LinkedIn’s research took in 998 North American SMEs and found that 94% of the companies in the survey utilized used social media for marketing purposes and particularly to enhance corporate identity. The companies involved in the survey also saw social media as a great way to update customers with company information and generate “word-of-mouth” advertising. 61% of those in the survey suggested social media enables them to source new customers, helped them build brand awareness, and generate new leads.
LinkedIn’s report suggests that around 65% of SMEs use social media for financial services. Those using social media (93%) generally look for information on social media before making a purchase. Not surprisingly, the figures also suggest that LinkedIn is the best social media source for SMEs to achieve their marketing aims.
