Whether you're a seasoned marketer or are new to the field, you probably know that social media is pretty important in running a successful marketing campaign. In the past few years, the sales and marketing landscape has been changing, and fast. More Americans are using smart phones and virtually everyone - even some 90-year-old grandmas - uses social media.
As platforms continue to emerge and change, the way we use social media for business will continue to develop. 2013 saw a number of interesting trends in social media, and understanding these trends in relation to business will be crucial if marketers want to move forward. Here are 12 of the most important social media marketing statistics of the year.
1) Companies that have 1,000 Facebook likes receive around 1,400 webpage views per day.
This statistic should make you rethink things if you've been sceptical that an active Facebook correlates to an active website.
2) 74% of marketers saw an increase in traffic after spending just 6 hours per week on social media.
You may assume that those who do well on social media either have a lot of knowledge or spend a great deal of time on the platforms. However, even a little time spent on social media can yield results.
3) 50% of Internet users are active on Facebook.
A presence on Facebook can put you in touch with millions of potential clients. This is part of the reason why a solid Facebook profile so strongly correlates with a successful campaign overall.
4) 52% of marketers have gained a customer through Facebook, and 35% have done so through Twitter.
As this statistic shows, it may be more common than you think for social media efforts to result in a direct customer conversion.
5) Google+ is catching up with Facebook.
Facebook is still the most prevalent form of social media for now, but Google+ isn't so far behind. 70% of social media users have an account on Facebook, but 50% have an account on Google+.
6) Google+ has the most visits per month at 1,203 million.
This is just further proof that Google+ will be more and more relevant in coming years. Marketers who have neglected the platform in the past will no longer be able to do so in the future.
7) Pinterest is the fastest growing social network.
It shouldn't come as a surprise that images are effective marketing tools. Whether you own a tire business or a dance salon, it's time to log on to Pinterest and start sharing your favorite pins.
8) Social media is growing in popularity with older populations.
This may come as a surprise to some marketers, as social media has traditionally been associated with the younger generation. Businesses can no longer think they don't have to use social media just because they serve an older demographic.
9) Asia and the South Pacific have the highest number of social media users.
If you do business internationally, don't discount users in the Far East and Pacific Islands. Targeting this demographic could help you build your business.
10) Only 3% of users check in on a mobile device.
In 2011, 4% of users reported they checked in, meaning this "trend" is even less likely to catch on than it was a few years ago.
11) 54% of Facebook users use Facebook mobile.
Now more than ever it's important to make sure your page is mobile compatible. Consider how your page will look when viewed on the Facebook app, and be sure to make changes if necessary.
12) 78% of Americans say social media impacts their purchasing decisions.
You can assume that social media affects relationships and what you might do in your free time. The fact that it also influences buying decisions shows just how pervasive social media has become.
Keep these statistics in mind as you go forth in your 2014 social media marketing strategies. Happy social sharing!