3 Ways Small Businesses Can Use the Internet to Increase Business

3 Ways Small Businesses Can Use the Internet to

Increase Business

1. SOCIAL MEDIA 2. LOCAL SEARCH3. SOCIAL REVIEWS

71% 78% 88%

SOCIAL MEDIA 78% of small businesses attract new customers through Social Media

Of consumersadmitted that social

media referralsplays a part in

their purchasingDecisions.

of consumers said that a companies’ social media posts

impact their purchases .

78%

Of consumers who found the item they

purchased by searching for it,

admitted they were already thinking

about it.

Nearly 50% of online customers expect businesses to provide customers support on Facebook … but only 23% actually do.

SOCIAL MEDIA Benefits of Facebook and Twitter

• 80% of customers on social networks prefer to connect themselves to brands through Facebook.

• 52% of small businesses found customers on Facebook.

• 36% of small businesses found customers on Twitter.

• 47% of consumers use Twitter to search about new products and services.

SOCIAL MEDIA Compelling Social Media Statistics

4 in 10 social media users have

purchased an item online or in-store after marking an

item as a favorite.

15% of customers use social media

websites to search local businesses.

72 % of adult internet users in the U.S. are now active on at least

one social network.

70% of brands now have a presence on

Google+

46% of online users count on

social media before making a

purchase decision.

71% of social media users are

more likely to purchase from a

business they are connected with.

LOCAL SEARCHINCREDIBLY, 25% of online business listings are inaccurate, making it harder for consumers to contact and find them.

3 out of 4 mobile searches trigger follow up actions:

18% 17%17%

Shared Information

Visited a Store

Madea Purchase

LOCAL SEARCH

74% 55%

Of smartphone owners use location based services (which is double from the same survey a year prior).

Of conversions from mobile searches happen within one hour because of closer proximity to the point of purchase and because the searcher is more mentally prepared to make a purchase.

50% of local searches do not occur on search engines, but on directions and apps.

LOCAL SEARCH

Other Eye-Opening Facts61% 66% 88% 86%

Of smartphone owners conduct local searches.

Of consumers want company photos online.

Of consumers who search for a type of local business on a mobile device call or go to the business within 24 hours.

Of survey participants have used the internet to find a local business.

SOCIAL REVIEWS97% of all consumers search for a local business online.

Popular Review Sites Include:

SOCIAL REVIEWS

82%

Of Yelp users visit Yelp because they intend to buy a product or service.

93%

Of consumers frequently or occasionally purchase from a local business after visiting Yelp.

93%

Purchase within a week

SOCIAL REVIEWSThe Importance of Online Reviews

72% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations

Of consumers trust online reviews as much

as personal recommendations

Of consumers trust online reviews as much

as personal recommendations

Reviews on a site can boost conversion of purchase by +20%

Of consumers say positive reviews

influenced buying decisions

Said buying decisions were influenced by

negative online reviews

70% 7 in 10 +20% 90% 86%

www.bizaarevoice.com

www.businessweek.com

http://yelp.typepad.com

http://www.sitepoint.com

http://www.mediabistro.com

http://socialmediatoday.com

http://www.sitepoint.com

http://www.business2community.com

http://listedlocally.com

http://localvox.com

http://www.yola.com