Why Businesses Shy Away From Social Media

Q: I use Facebook and Twitter to keep up with friends and family. But I’m not sure how and why I should be using these networks for my business.

A: Seems like most Internet users nowadays a familiar with and engage in some social media interactions. Most of my friends, for example, are avid Facebook users, subscribe to a few blogs, and use forums for everything from finding product reviews to setting up playdates.

But what about businesses, especially small businesses? Do they see much value in social media marketing?

Based on the anecdotal evidence (from several of my networking groups), many entrepreneurs do not consider social media a major marketing channel (even though these same business owners use Facebook and Twitter for personal interactions, subscribe to and read blogs, participate in industry forums, and even have a blog or a newsletter of their own). What gives?

Marketing Sherpa released it’s findings on barriers to social media adoption.  In December, marketers reported that lack of knowledge and the ability to see ROI from social marketing efforts kept social media from mainstream adoptions.  If social media is so mature, surely adoption rates would be higher.Feb 2009

Read the rest of the social media marketing article for helpful and insightful information. 

Technorati Tags: social media marketing, social media ROI, small business

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