In our latest installment of Infographic Monday, we’re taking a look at how exactly small businesses are using social media.  This infographic, by Column Five, take an in-depth look at why small businesses have adopted social media into their marketing plans and what they may be doing wrong in the social space.

Let’s first take a look at the positive side of this data: small businesses are adopting social media and integrating it into their marketing plans.  Well, at least that was the initial thought behind it.  While most companies enter the social media space with all intentions of utilizing Facebook, Twitter, and others to the best of their abilities, the sad truth is that most small business owners end up abandoning their social accounts soon thereafter.

Listen, we understand.  Running a business is hard; it’s time consuming; it’s frustrating and tests every ounce of one’s patience.

Social media is exactly the same.

You have to have a strategy, product content with a greater goal in mind, distribute the content, drive engagement, respond to comments and feedback, and stay up to date all while preparing for the next update.

How could one person run a small business and give social media marketing the proper attention it needs to flourish?

That’s where social media marketing agencies come in.  We run your social media so you can run your business.

via: Intuit Websites

One key takeaway for me is the disconnect between what small business owners think is the most effective tactic to reach customers and what the customers see as the most effective.  As a small business owner, you should always remember that the number one reason why people follow you on any social media site is for special offers and discounts.  Sure, they want your updates and love to get an inside look at your business.  But most of them are there for one thing: to get some some sort of deal or promotion from you.

If you’d like to take advantage of this need for deals and promotions, learn more about our Social Promotions service that will help you drive new social followers while increasing engagement and prospective leads.