Social Media Marketing: Does it REALLY Work

Webmarketing 123 did a study that found some awesome statistics regarding social media marketing, direct leads and actual sales generated.  Since 2008 I have known this to be true I watched it save tremendous time and effort and increase new business I would have never found otherwise. They found that B2B and B2C companies are generating qualified leads:

  • 47% lead generation on Facebook
  • 35% lead generation on LinkedIn
  • 34% lead generation on Twitter

This is why I created the  SoMe Funnel, (I taught it in my presentation for the US Small Business Conference, you can get the content here) to help people see how to generate more leads though their social media. It’s critical to create systems that capture those leads, so you can follow through. (smartly and legally of course!)

 

In addition, the study found that 55% of B2C businesses have closed deals in social media (all three sites above) and 41% ofB2B businesses have closed deals on Facebook! That is impressive! Sixty percent of  companies intend to ramp up their social media marketing efforts in 2012. Do you have a plan? How will you engage your potential customers online? Remember customers are smarter than ever before! They want:

  • smart timely relevant content
  • engaged businesses that are responsive to their needs
  • the ability to have a voice as a consumer and be heard

Combine your system with content that speaks to your market and WATCH what happens!

 

Ann Evanston, MA, has been named by About.com as one of the Top Six Marketing Consultants, Feb 2011, and recognized in the Huffington Post for her unique approach in using Facebook to increase profits though giving. In October 2008 Ann created the Social Networking Coaching Club, a forum where you get personalized support to learn how to “discover your REAL edge” and make more online in less time with integrity.
  • http://www.broadbandexpert.com/ Cable Blogger

    Sometimes, human mind just put some ideas concerning ‘to does’ it or ‘doesn’t it’?  And in this case, there must a be fact to be followed.

  • http://www.appointmentsetting.com/ appointment setting

    Social media will provide you best result which you never expected from your another sources. You just need use social media very well.

  • http://www.warrior-preneur.com Ann Evanston

    awwww…! Thank you Harry!  am honored and happy to be of service! I few of my clients are over there too!

  • http://www.elemental-transitions.com/ Harry Tinoco-Giraldo

    I see so many blogs, but I really do think hard about that “Inspirational” label, and this one move me forward to create the connection with all your tips and all the social media information around. (still in my learning process) I which to approach more information from you and SoMe Thank you  and Hello from London

  • http://irene-turner.com Irene Turner

    I’m still trying to understand how this works for my business since I don’t have a product to sell. The most response I’ve gotten are leads from my blog. No leads so far from FB or twitter. I’m hoping they will come into play when my book finally get’s published. In the meantime, I am learning a lot and sharing information with other experts in my field. Either way, It’s fun. 

  • http://www.warrior-preneur.com Ann Evanston

    Guess that is partially why I was named one of the Top 6 Marketing Consultants in 2011!

  • http://www.warrior-preneur.com Ann Evanston

    So is definitely an “Annism” Social Media is SoMe Business to Business or Business to Consumer are the other two!

  • http://twitter.com/jenniferpeek Jennifer Peek

    Finally!  Great statistics and real results to back up what so many of us have seen in action.  It is a challenge to figure out what to focus on when – but that’s not much different than traditional marketing.  I am nearing the finish line of my 2012 plan.  Just having that in place is a great step for me.  And, now I can use the information in your post to help others see why social media isn’t just a fad or a time suck.

  • Kathryn Strong

    Hey, I’m new to social media. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have it presented here. I’m going to check out SoMe & B2B ASAP!

  • http://MagnoliaJazz.com/blog Robbie Schlosser

    Thank you, Ann.  Looking forward to it!

  • http://julieannecasefromtheheart.com Julieanne Case

    Love reading these statistics!  This is awesome. Yet I still hear people say that social media is a waste of time! 

    Julieanne CaseAlways from the heart!Reconnecting you to your Original Blueprint, Your Essence, Your Joy| Healing you from the Inside Out |Reconnective Healing | The Reconnection| AgeLoc Skin Care |  Pharmanex Supplementshttp://thereconnectivehighway.com

  • http://www.ourlittlebooks.com Candace C. Davenport

    I always get the quizzled looks and questions of “why do you spend so much time on FB? Isn’t that a waste of time and for young kids?” Now I have stats to throw out in response! Granted, most of these people who tell that to me are not in business so don’t “get it”, but still, people need to be aware of what is happening around them in general. And SoMe is what’s happen’ baby. So get on board!!

    Maybe it is my age, but I do still like face to face marketing and think that any good business will do a combination of both. I find, at least with the little books, that the relationship may start as SoMe but then will be consummated face to face. For each business, finding that balance that works best for them is what will make them successful.

  • http://www.warrior-preneur.com Ann Evanston

    @RobbieSchlosser:disqus  you have inspired next weeks blog post!

  • http://www.warrior-preneur.com Ann Evanston

    lol that is sweet and sometimes I feel the same way! I am going to be in Larkspur today, maybe someday we can meet in person!

  • http://twitter.com/MosaicTutoring Cory Zacker

    Those statistics are impressive, Ann. I listened in on your SNCC phone calls last month and learned all about the SoMe funnel which I am working on implementing in my tutoring business. Thanks for your continued insights!

  • http://www.GreatHealthIsPossible.com Maureena Bivins, PhD

    Sometimes engaging in social media feels a bit overwhelming.  I’m glad to be part of SNCC as it is helping me move forward while I am still learning.

  • http://www.CleanseEasy.com Shayla Mihaly

    I am so much more comfortable with SoMe than in-person networking events, so this is great news!

  • http://wayofjoy.com Vicki Dello Joio

    you continue to inspire me to keep going with SoMe, even when I feel frustrated and confused, which is more frequent than I like to admit. You make it seem “possible” while reminding me why this is an essential part of my own biz expansion and strategy. Thank you

  • Donnam

    I have learned so much about SoMe from you, Ann and know it has helped our marketing strategy and the attention we are getting. I also realize, especially after reading your report, that I am not being as consistent or as diligent with your strategies as I should be. A good reminder that I need to regroup and refocus…so many doggone distractions that I allow to get me off course!

  • http://www.save-your-breath.com Rowena Starling

    Encouraging news.  Working to get there. I love stats.

  • http://brandymychals.com Brandy Mychals

    Very cool Ann  – I also clicked through to get the report :-) And, I can attest to the effectiveness of SoMe for business from the opinion of a user. It has provided tremendous growth in marketing my message over the last year – and, yes, plenty of direct sales. It really works!
    Brandy

  • Anonymous

    Thanks! I clicked through and got the report.  At this point my B2B biz has some business that would not have come to me except through social media, I still generate more business by classic face to face referral marketing, but even with that, I ‘friend’ and ‘follow’ people online, that I originally met offline. So maybe the relationship is strengthened and the deal closes faster because of integrating both online and offline marketing? But now you’ve got me thinking! I put about 8 hrs a week into classic referral marketing – breaking out the heels tonight to head off to a chamber mixer. If I put 8 hours a week into SoMe marketing, I wonder what I would get in return??? And to be honest, I would way rather spend 2 hours here with you all than 2 hours there :-)

  • http://MagnoliaJazz.com/blog Robbie Schlosser

    Thank you for highlighting this report.  Pretty impressive numbers, all right.  From personal experience, I’ll agree that engaging well on social media will generate leads which lead to sales.  However I’ve looked over the report and it seems to me the report skips addressing this important question:  Does time spent marketing with social media earn as much as time spent marketing with the more conventional channels?  No question that social media marketing works at all, but how does it compare with what it’ll be replacing?  Numbers would be helpful.  Has anyone studied this?

  • http://susan-berland.com/ Susan Berland

    The naysayers are telling me that it is not worth too much time. It doesn’t work. It’s not personal enough. This seems to say otherwise! It’s nice to have independent studies to back up what you’ve been saying all along.

    Susan Berland
    A Picture’s Worth
    http://susan-berland.com