Getting Granular About Social Media For SMBs

We know the use of social media is exploding in the business world, but what can vendors of these solutions do to earn more mind--and market--share from small and midsize businesses? The SMB Group will have some concrete answers soon.On the verge of launching its 2011 SMB Social Business Study, the market research firm is poised to collect data that will pinpoint specific trends and statistics concerning SMBs and social media.

"By adopting social business solutions and processes, small and medium companies can engage customers and prospects in a more personal and effective manner--and as a result, help improve customer acquisition and retention," reads a preview of the study published by the SMB Group. "However, [SMBs] often lack the time, expertise and/or resources necessary to fully understand, implement, integrate and measure social business as part of their broader customer relationship strategy."

Study respondents will be key influencers and/or decision makers in small and midsize businesses, including partners, CIOs, owners, CEOs, and vice presidents of marketing. Companies will have from 1 to 1,000 employees.

The comprehensive study will explore a number of issues, including the following:

-Perceptions and attitudes about social business -Key drivers and inhibitors for adopting social business solutions -Requirements for integrating social business with existing business solutions -Consulting and business partners for social business solutions -How SMBs currently use and plan to use social business to improve marketing, sales, customer service, support, and product development -Budgets and planned spending on social business solutions -Perceived benefits and risks of social business solutions

In its February newsletter, the SMB Group said it believes the study "will dig a couple of layers beneath the surface to provide clients with actionable data points to help shape [social business] offerings and messaging."

Stay tuned for more in the coming months.