Bigmouthmedia and Econsultancy reveal companies plan increased social media spend in 2010

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:59:28 GMT

The Social Media and Online PR Report, published by Econsultancy in association with bigmouthmedia, has revealed that most companies are planning to invest more in social media next year but are struggling to find the time and resources to manage their activity.

The report is based on a survey of over 1,100 companies and agencies, and is the most comprehensive study of its kind around how companies are using online PR and social media for marketing and customer service.

The results showed that 86% of companies plan to spend more money on social media in 2010, and a further 13% are planning to keep the same level of budget. 54% cited their biggest barrier to better social media engagement was a lack of resources, with 90% of businesses stating that social media is taking up more time internally than a year ago.

"The growth of social media and online PR has been meteoric, but until now there have been very few hard facts available on precisely how UK business is using the new channel and what they're getting in return for their investment," said Phil Gripton, Managing Director of bigmouthmedia UK.

"These statistics - the most detailed yet available - show that while an increasing number of companies are embracing social media, many are struggling to effectively manage their engagement and are consequently failing to make the most of a potentially enormous opportunity."

The research found that many companies are experimenting with social media without yet reaping any measurable benefits. Only a quarter of companies said that they have gained "real, tangible value" from social media whereas 60% said they had gained "some benefit but nothing concrete". However, 52% of respondents who are heavily involved said they have gained real value, compared to only 13% of companies who "experimented but not done much".

Michelle Goodall, Econsultancy's social media and online PR consultant at Econsultancy, said: "Before they think about their strategy and the best tactics, companies need to go back to basics and think in detail about how online PR and social media can help them deliver against their business objectives.

"The reality is that most businesses understand how to listen, what to measure and where to engage but are struggling to define the value of engagement and reputation in social spaces."

There view of the benefits of Twitter is mixxed, with 31% of respondents saying there are "tremendous opportunities" available, but half reported their companies are "open-minded but not fully convinced about the value to the business".

The majority of organisations (62%) are using the micro-blogging site for publicising new content, with 54% using the channel for marketing or brand monitoring (47%). Only 27% of companies are using Twitter as a customer service tool for reacting to issues and inquiries, while 25% use Twitter as a customer feedback tool. 7% felt that Twitter is over-hyped and a fad.

About Econsultancy
Econsultancy is the leading source of independent advice and insight on digital marketing and e-commerce. Econsultancy reports, events, online resources and training programmes help a community of over 80,000 registered marketers make better decisions, build business cases, find the best suppliers, look smart in meetings and accelerate their careers.

About bigmouthmedia
Founded in 1997, bigmouthmedia is Europe's largest and most experienced independent digital marketing agency, rated the UK's #1 Search agency for SEO and PPC in the 2009 NMA Marketing Services Guide. Over the last 10 years bigmouthmedia has successfully built an innovative portfolio of integrated and standalone digital marketing products leveraged to

Bigmouthmedia and Econsultancy unveil UKs first Social Media & Online PR survey

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:57:24 GMT

Edinburgh, UK, November 10, 2009, Bigmouthmedia and Econsultancy will reveal the results of the UK's first extensive survey into the use of Social Media and Online PR at a specially convened industry summit later this month.

The results of the research, which will provide the most detailed data yet available on the extent to which UK companies have embraced social media, the methods of engagement currently employed and the value being derived from such activities, will be unveiled to an audience of invited delegates in London on November 25th. Organised by bigmouthmedia, the event will also see presentations from Facebook, Microsoft and Futurenet on the phenomenon's far-reaching impact upon the business world.

"The social media revolution has evolved from emerging trend to mainstream communications channel in a remarkably short space of time. Yet despite the increasing prominence of platforms like Twitter, until now there has been no solid data available on how companies are using it and the benefits they are deriving from the practice," said Leanne Rinning, Online PR Manager at bigmouthmedia.

"We are delighted to have partnered with Econsultancy on this research. The preliminary results are already in, and while some of the results may surprise the audience, I'm confident that our survey will cut through the hype and provide real insight into how to get the best out of this rapidly shifting channel."

Rinning, who will give a presentation on planning, executing and measuring online campaigns, will be joined on the day by Facebook's Josh Smith, who will speak on the impact of advertising on social networking platforms. Kate Box of Microsoft is scheduled to provide her take on how traditional digital and social media can work together, while Futurenet's Jessica Healy will also give an account of the publishing world's struggle to come to terms with the phenomenon.

"Social media is simply about listening and interacting with your customers, using channels that many staff will already be familiar with, such as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Digg. It is in many ways about common sense, yet there is a lot of uncertainty in the business world about how to engage it," said Econsultancy Research Director Linus Gregoriadis.

"By engaging with customers you increase satisfaction, which is a proven way of generating repeat business and referrals. There are very few companies that wouldn't want to do that, and we believe that after attending this event, guests are going to leave with a much clearer view on how to go about it."

The event, which will take place at 76 Portland Place, London, will include lunch and networking drinks.

Notes to editors:
There are a few places available, but attendance will be strictly limited. Registration of interest can be done by contacting socialsummit@bigmouthmedia.com.

About bigmouthmedia
Founded in 1997, bigmouthmedia is Europe's largest independent digital marketing agency. With a team of over 200 staff located across 13 offices in 10 countries on 3 continents, the company maximises exposure for major brands online through a variety of fully integrated digital marketing channels: Search Engine Optimisation, PPC, Online Media Planning, affiliate marketing, Social Networking, Brand Monitoring, Online PR and Web Analytics. Bigmouthmedia also provides up to date daily digital marketing news to ensure clients are fully informed and aware of all industry developments.

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Bigmouthmedia and Econsultancy reveal companies plan increased social media spend in 2010

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