Social media is here to stay and your small business needs to be using it to promote your services, it’s as simple as that. Whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or even Instagram, your customers and potential customers are out there waiting to hear about you. If you aren’t using these resources to the best of their abilities, you are missing out of a lot of revenue. Still think you can afford to ignore social media? Think again! Let’s look at some recently published social media facts:
Nearly Three-Quarters of Internet Users Are Active on Social Media.
Out of all internet users, 71% are active on social media networks. That number is arrived at by 89% of those 18-29, 72% of 30-49, 60% of 50-60, and even 43% of 65 and older. At every age group and every lifestyle, social media is becoming an important influencer for more and more internet users.
Twitter has to be taken seriously. There are now over 550 million registered users, with 215 million of them active at least once a month. These millions of registered users account for Twitter growing 44% from 2012 to 2013 alone.
Facebook has 1.15 Billion Active Monthly Users.
Yes, that's billion- with a “b”. Even more amazing- 23% of Facebook users login at least five times per day. If you don’t have a business page on Facebook, get one right away. It’s hands-down the largest social media network and 70% of marketers say they have gotten successful leads from Facebook. What’s perhaps even more astonishing is that a growing number, 47%, say Facebook is now their number one influencer in making purchasing decisions.
Americans Spend 16 Minutes out of Every Hour on Social Media.
Would you pay for a commercial if you knew it would play for potential customers 16 minutes out of every hour? Of course you would! Your professional social media postings give you that kind of exposure, for free. There’s no denying that your customers are out there spending time on social media, so if you aren’t giving them information and engaging with them, you’re missing out.
Not surprisingly, the largest demographic of social media users are those 18-29, but you aren’t getting out of promoting on social media even if your targeted customers are older. Those aged 55-64 using Twitter has grown 79% since 2012. That’s huge! The similar age group of those over 45 has also seen huge jumps on Google+ and Facebook as well. Social media isn’t just for teens anymore.
More Marketers are Using Twitter to Generate Leads.
You already knowing Twitter is growing rapidly. But are these Twitter users serious connections for your company? Yes! In fact, 34% of marketers have reported successfully using Twitter to generate leads. Twitter is becoming more integrated into people’s everyday lives, so make sure your company’s Twitter profile is part of that.
Nearly All Businesses Use Social Media Professionally.
This is one you absolutely can’t ignore. A staggering 93% of marketers use social media to promote their business. If you aren’t one of them, you are in the quickly dwindling group that is being left behind.
Businesses who are making strategic efforts in building a following on social media are growing their marketing channels and networks, bringing in more revenue than ever before. It is a digital asset that increases every year and over time it can provide enormous leverage and marketing independence if done right. If you’re still a little shaky when it comes to marketing your business on social media, don’t worry. Download our free eBook Mastering Social Media for Business.