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New Data Shows Small Businesses Poised to Grow and Thrive in 2013Chalfont, PA, Jan 04, 2013 (PRWeb.com via COMTEX) -- With businesses of all sizes slowly recovering from an economic recession, new data from the email marketing service AWeber indicates that small businesses are beginning 2013 with cautious optimism, and are prepared to grow their businesses in the new year with increased spending and a renewed focus on email marketing and social media. AWeber surveyed over 3,000 small businesses and entrepreneurs around the globe during November and December 2012, releasing the findings in an infographic and online report. Small Businesses are Cautiously Optimistic According to the survey, 47% of participants felt the economy had a positive change in 2012 compared to 2011, and 58% anticipated more revenue from the 2012 winter holiday season. With a vote of confidence in the future, 67% of small businesses plan to increase their marketing spending in 2013. Small Businesses Rely On Email For Growth Email marketing remains a valuable tool for small businesses, requiring little time investment while yielding a return in revenue. Over 70% of small businesses reported spending less than three hours per week on email marketing, and 77% attributed business and sales to their email marketing efforts. "More than any other tool, email marketing provides a powerful and direct connection to customers and prospects," explained Justin Premick, AWeber's Director of Education Marketing. Building on this success, 85% of respondents plan to increase their use of email marketing in 2013. Small Businesses are Embracing Social Media When asked how their use of traditional, online and social media marketing channels would change in 2013, respondents indicated wide adoption of social media. Seventy percent plan to increase their presence on Facebook, 72% on blogs, 58% on Twitter, 50% on Google Plus and 49% on LinkedIn. Small businesses are also turning to social media to remain updated on news, with 54% receiving news daily through social media, followed followed by 39% in email newsletters and 36 percent on blogs. Forty-one percent have abandoned print publications altogether. Despite the rise in social media, face-to-face connections remain important, with 47% of respondents anticipating a stronger presence at in-person networking events. Small Business Owners Wear Many Hats Exposing the many responsibilities and challenges faced by small businesses owners, 93% of respondents employ 5 or fewer staff members, and 88% of CEOs serve as the primary marketer for their business. "This survey data offers great encouragement for small businesses," said Justin Premick, AWeber's Director of Education Marketing. "It's difficult to juggle the numerous responsibilities of owning a small business. And after a challenging recession, entrepreneurs are looking ahead to 2013 with the prospect of growth just around the corner. With minimal time required, email marketing is a key component to driving this small business growth." Key findings from AWeber's small business survey are illustrated in an infographic, and the full survey results are available online at aweber.com/blog/smallbiz2013. About AWeber AWeber, headquartered in suburban Philadelphia, helps over 100,000 businesses, entrepreneurs and bloggers increase sales and profits through its suite of web-based email marketing software. The privately held company was founded in 1998. For more information, visit aweber.com, subscribe to the AWeber blog, or follow @AWeber on Twitter and Facebook. Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/1/prweb10290345.htm PRWeb.com |