Does social media marketing work for business?

Here is a link to the full report:  http://ift.tt/1KjM5KR

Benefits of social media marketing

The top two benefits of social media marketing are increasing exposure and increasing traffic. A significant 90% of all marketers indicated that their social media efforts have generated more exposure for their businesses. Increasing traffic was the second major benefit, with 77% reporting positive results.

Most marketers are using social media to develop loyal fans (69%) and gain marketplace intelligence (68%).

Improved sales

It takes time to develop relationships that lead to sales. However, a large percentage of marketers who take the time find great results.

For example, more than half of marketers who've been using social media for at least 2 years report it helped them improve sales. More than half who spend 6 or more hours per week find the same results and 73% of those who spend 40+ hours per week earn new business through their efforts.

Increased exposure

With as little as 6 hours per week, the vast majority of marketers (91%+) indicated their social media efforts increased exposure for their businesses. Nearly all marketers (91%+) who've been employing social media marketing for one year or longer report it generates exposure for their businesses.

Grew business partnerships

More than half of marketers who've invested at least 2 years in social media marketing report that new partnerships were gained.

Generated leads

By spending as little as 6 hours per week, 66%+ of marketers see lead generation benefits with social media.

Reduced marketing expenses

More than half of those who spend at least 6 hours per week on social media efforts saw a benefit of reduced marketing expenses.

Improved search rankings

Improved search engine rankings were most prevalent among those who've been using social media for one year or longer, with 54%+ reporting a rise.

At least 61% of those investing a minimum of 6 hours per week in social media marketing saw improvements in search engine rankings.

Increased traffic

A significant 81%+ of participants found that increased traffic occurred with as little as 6 hours per week invested in social media marketing.

Provided marketplace insight

Of those with at least 1 year of experience, 63% or more found social platforms provided marketplace insight. At least 71% of those spending at least 6 hours per week were more likely to gain marketplace insight.

Developed loyal fans

Of those who have been using social media for at least 1 year, 64% found it useful for building a loyal fan base.

Established thought leadership

More than half of marketers who have been using social media for 2 or more years (57%+) have been able to establish thought leadership.

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