Small Businesses Are Not Connecting on Social Media

According to a new study, most small businesses are not leveraging social media sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. The study, conducted by Citibank and GfK Roper, found that 76 percent of small-business owners had not used social media or found it helpful in generating business leads during the prior year.

"Our survey suggests that small business owners are still feeling their way into social media, particularly when it comes to using these tools to grow their businesses," said Maria Veltre, Executive Vice President of Citi's Small Business Segment. "While social media can provide additional channels to network and help grow a business, many small businesses may not have the manpower or the time required take advantage of them."

Furthermore, 86 percent of respondents said that they have not used social networking sites to get business advice or information. There's a big missed opportunity for these companies to hear what leaders in their industry, competitors and customers are talking about.

The poll was conducted for Citibank Small Business via telephone by GFK Roper during the period August 20-27, 2009 and surveyed a sample of 500 small business executives across the United States. The margin of error is approximately +/- 3.5 percent.

Currently, people coming via links on Twitter represents the greatest amount of traffic coming to the Twin Red Media site. Facebook and LinkedIn also represent a significant amount of inbound traffic. All said, referring sites (predominantly social media) represent over 70 percent of the inbound traffic to this site.

Businesses who are not leveraging social media are missing huge opportunities. Immersing your business in the social networking discussion can help your business meet new customers, strengthen relationships with existing ones, and build brand awareness. And since Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter all free to join, the value proposition is tremendous.

For those companies who don't have the resources or expertise to start or manage a social networking presence, Twin Red Media can help. We can help get you started and even it run it for you if needed. For more information on how we can help, please check out our Social Network Marketing page and if you'd like to discuss your specific needs, please don't hesitate to contact us.

(Link to Citibank's press release)