As 2015 moves rapidly through its second month, the “should we or shouldn’t we” conversation continues to go on as businesses analyze the value of launching and managing their own social media programs.
Way back in early 2014, the data reported about consumers and their use of social media was already pretty compelling for many companies. They took action and got in the game.
New statistics haven’t been reported by a reliable source in 2015 yet; but if a company is still on the fence, a 2014 report deserves another look.
A piece done by Jeff Bullas reminded us of the impact of social media in the marketplace and its potential for growth.
Bullas reports that 71% of users were accessing social media from a mobile device by 2014, and that 47% of Americans were saying that Facebook is their #1 influencer of purchases. If you thought that social media is just for the young, then you’ll probably be surprised to know that 60 percent of 50 to 60 year olds are active on social media, and 43% of those 65+ use social media.
Revisiting some of these findings may compel fence-sitting marketers to use social media as part of their marketing strategy. In today’s world, the conversation is no longer focused on social media as a future tactic or even an optional component to support print, broadcasting or billboard advertising. The future is here. And, as more and more people use social media, social media programs deserve a place as part of overall marketing plans.
Companies that don’t have the in-house resources to implement a well-structured social media marketing program should consider reaching out for help from those that have a track record of providing such resources.
There are compelling reasons to act now.