Social Media Marketing Up, Groupon Down with Local Businesses

Looks like the social media marketing bandwagon has hit Main Street:

In the past 12 months, there has been a 40% increase in the number of local businesses using Facebook to market their wares, according to the quarterly Merchant Confidence Index survey of more than 8,500 small and local business owners across the United States. Today, 70% use the social media site of 500 million-plus accountholders, compared with 50% last year, the report said.

This makes Facebook the most widely used marketing method among local merchants, with 66% of local businesses tapping Google to educate consumers about their goods, according to the study.

via Social Media Marketing Up 40% Among Local Businesses — Social Media Marketing — InformationWeek.

What was also interesting was the fact that discount brokers like the now notorious Groupon aren’t getting a lot of repeat biz from this sector, either:

Likewise, group buying services — such as those offered by Groupon and LivingSocial — are getting a lukewarm welcome. To date, 11% of respondents have offered a “daily deal” on a group buying site, but one-fifth plan to do so in the near future, the poll said. Of those who have used such a service to promote their business, the majority — or 55% — said they would not do so again, MerchantCircle said.

Lots more juicy data in the article, along with some analysis. Check it out here.

What about you? How much do you employ social media marketing for your business? The comments section is open!