Facebook boasts more than 400 million users. Twitter claims more than 75 million users are now sending more than 50 million tweets a day. And LinkedIn reports 60 million users are networking on its platform. With these kinds of numbers, businesses are trying to find new ways to use social media to build brand recognition.
"We have found significant value in social media sites," said Larry Caretsky, president of Commence, which provides customer relationship management software to small-to-medium-sized businesses. The company frequently utilizes social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to promote and present research and video focused on how customers can build business with Commence products and services.
Social media can be useful tools for lead generation and contacting executives responsible for purchasing, Caretsky said.
E-commerce payments company eBillme uses social media tools "to engage consumers, prospects and partners, and to create brand awareness," said Samer Forzley, vice president of marketing. The company uses social media to promote deals on its website and to announce weekly prizes, for example.
"Facebook and Twitter have been integrated as part of our overall marketing strategy," Forzley said. "We integrate these platforms as part of our website and blog, as well as being active participants."
