Small Business Technology News

Some Small Businesses Hesitant To Embrace Social Media

Written by Jenna Weiner
Published: 5/11/2011

Canadian small businesses are behind the curve when it comes to properly and effectively utilizing social media.

Social media resources are not groundbreaking news for small business owners. However, some companies are reluctant to take the plunge, according to the website Financial Planning.

Small Businesses Wary of Social Media

The media outlet reports that a recent survey conducted by Legler Marketing on behalf of BMO Financial Group found that while 55 percent of Canadian small businesses view participation in social media and networking to be important, only 52 percent of respondents admitted to actually utilizing the resources.

"We recognize that small business owners can benefit from the interactive opportunities presented by social and new media," Cathy Pin, vice president of commercial banking at BMO Bank of Montreal, told the news source. 

However, apprehension over privacy issues and costs associated with hiring an employee to serve as a social media coordinator remain the two predominate barriers for social media integration.

According to NetworkSolutions, companies that are not embracing these opportunities are missing out on a variety of benefits. The company notes that small businesses that use social media can stay engaged with customers, develop a higher awareness of their company and identify and attract new customers.

It adds that Facebook is by far the most popular website for small businesses that use social media, followed by LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.
 

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