20/04/2011
The power of social media is being embraced by small and medium sized enterprises, according to smallbusiness.co.uk.
A survey of almost 900 SMEs carried out by Really Simple Systems found that two thirds are using social media networks every day, with the primary reasons being to maintain contact with existing customers and to source new business.
The research found that LinkedIn is the most widely used network; 83 per cent of businesses claimed subscription to this site, while 72 per cent said they used Facebook to conduct 'social business'.
65 per cent of SMEs are now also using Twitter, as a means to promote news and generate interest. 34 per cent said they also used social media to participate in online business forums, says v3.co.uk, to share knowledge and insights or seek advice from more experienced peers.
Using social media is a pretty inexpensive way for SMEs to raise awareness of their services among customers who might not ordinarily have been reached, though for maximum impact and conversion, it is essential that the company's own website looks professional.
Those without in-house web design capabilities can outsource the job to a specialist firm. Freeing up cash instantly for this sort of job is easily arranged via a range of factoring services which generate cash held in invoices.
The overall results were unexpected. Really Simple Systems' CEO John Paterson told smallbusiness.co.uk: "We all know that enterprise companies are rapidly adopting social media as a means of communicating with existing customers and prospects, but it's surprising to see that adoption among small business was so advanced.''
Elizabeth Smythe