As we progress through the Social Media 101 - 101 social media sites and tips on how businesses can use social media to interact with the community and promote their brand - we wanted to comment on an article on eMarketer.com regarding business use of social media and consumer’s reactions.
 
The researchers found 85% of social media users thought companies should interact with their consumers through social media…  


For those of you following this series on business use of social media and implementing the tips on using social media for your business, this article and research firmly supports your efforts.

We have heard from some of you with success stories already realized from the series- business networking connections made on Merchant Circle, reconnects with people on LinkedIn from previous jobs that provided a referral, dramatic increases in website traffic from StumbleUpon submissions and an overall improved website presence and ranking from having so many new links on the web.             

So, keep it up!  It works.  Social media, with genuine communication and interactions from businesses, improves the marketplace, increases consumer knowledge, and is here to stay.
clipped from www.emarketer.com
                       

Consumers Await on Social Networks
OCTOBER 10, 2008

Befriended and poked by companies

Nearly six out of 10 Americans who use social media interact with companies on social media Websites, according to a September 2008 study by conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for Cone.

The researchers found 85% of social media users thought companies should interact with their consumers through social media, at least when needed.

“Americans are eager to deepen their brand relationships through social media,” said Mike Hollywood, director of new media at Cone, in a statement.   “It isn’t an intrusion into their lives, but rather a welcome channel for discussion.”                      

Extent that Companies Should Have a Presence in Social Media* According to US Adult Social Media Users, by Gender, September 2008 (% of respondents in each group)

Nearly four out of 10 online merchants surveyed used social networks. Of those, nearly one-third said they had a page on Facebook, and more than one-quarter said they used each of MySpace and YouTube.
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