One in four small to medium UK businesses using social media to connect with customers

• Wednesday, 02 December 2009

This survey shows that small and medium businesses are showing real imagination when it comes to choosing marketing techniques

One in four small to medium sized businesses in the UK are using social media to connect with customers, according to new research published today.

A survey from Daryl Willcox Publishing, entitled ‘How Do Small to Medium Businesses Market Themselves?’ revealed that 27% of those questioned used social media platforms such as blogging, Twitter, Facebook and online forums as part of their marketing activity. 285 companies ranging from 1 to 250 employees took part in the research.

The respondents, who represent over 80 industries including catering, health and fitness, construction, automotive, property, education and finance, also used a range of external marketing services to increase their online presence. Over half had paid for services such as email marketing and search engine optimisation. Nearly a fifth had invested in external PR services.

Results showed that over three quarters of businesses were confident when using the internet to interact with existing and potential customers. Half were very confident, while a further 35% were fairly confident.

“This survey shows that small and medium businesses are showing real imagination when it comes to choosing marketing techniques,” said Daryl Willcox, founder of Daryl Willcox Publishing. “Many are embracing social media and combining this with more traditional marketing methods. Companies realise the importance of being visible online and are recognising the benefits of having an up-to-date digital presence.”

When looking at the use of trade magazines, 88% said they read relevant publications to keep up to date with developments and competitors in their industry. The ways trade magazines are influencing businesses range from putting new business processes in place (32%), training staff in new areas (21%), targeting new customer demographics (27%) and implementing new technology (28%).

40% of those who took part in the research said they had advertised in trade magazines. However, direct mail was the most widely used medium to publicise services - 60% of businesses said they marketed themselves this way. 43% used press release distribution services, while 35% had taken out newspaper advertisements.

The survey found that a quarter of businesses regularly communicate with customers; informing them about offers and services every week. 23% of those surveyed contacted customers every month, and a further quarter every few months. Over half (57%) agreed that informing their customer base of new products, services and changes was very important, with a fifth stating it was quite important.

Almost all (97%) of the businesses surveyed had a website, with 2% planning on introducing an online presence. Only 1% didn’t have a website and were not intending to build one.

For more comment on the survey results see Daryl Willcox's blog post.

About Daryl Willcox Publishing

Daryl Willcox Publishing (www.dwpub.com) provides information services for journalists and public relations companies. Launched in 1997, the company connects media professionals to create opportunities for timely, relevant press coverage. Products include the Response Source Journalist Enquiries System, SourceWire and Response Source press release wires, the Freelance Journalist Directory and the FeaturesExec media database. Over 2,500 companies use Daryl Willcox Publishing's media relations services, including around 120 of the top 150 PR Companies.

For further information please contact:

Laura-May Coope / Claire Armitt
flannel
Tel: 01273 779492 / 01273 779449
Email: laura-may.coope@no-flannel.com / claire.armitt@no-flannel.com

This press release was distributed via Response Source, a service from Daryl Willcox Publishing, on behalf of Daryl Willcox Publishing. For more information visit http://www.dwpub.com/pressreleasewires