Among the fastest-growing private U.S. companies that are using social media, the results are in—social media works. Not only are these companies listed on the Inc. 500 using social media as a key part of their marketing strategy, but it’s working for them.
The overwhelming response from those using social media, when asked whether it has been successful for their business is “Yes.” In the research conducted by the Center for Marketing Research, UMass Dartmouth, Twitter users reported an 82% success rate while every other tool studied enjoyed at least an 87% success level.
Except for one category (wikis), these success rates are all larger than the findings in the 2007 report. In two years, the tactic that saw the greatest increase in success is message/bulletin boards at 17%. Podcasting success rose 12%, online video 8%, social networking 8%, and blogging 1%.The 2009 survey was the first year the center asked specifically about Twitter use.
Most of the 148 survey respondents reported using hits, comments, leads, or sales as success indicators.
One professional services firm that has experienced success with social media is bankruptcy law firm Shaev & Fleischman LLP. When traditional high-priced marketing efforts stopped working, the firm turned to blogging and producing podcasts. The blog, which is a hub for bankruptcy advice and information, has generated “millions of dollars” over the years for the firm and accounts for approximately 70% of the firm’s business. On top of that, the social media success led to a new consulting practice for one of the partners.
How about you? Are you using these social media tactics? What kind of success has your firm experienced as a result?
 LinkedIn |
 Facebook
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 StumpleUpon
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 Buzz |
 Digg |
 De.licio.us
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