Small, Midsized Businesses to Increase Online Marketing Budgets in 2011

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Marketing budgets are set to rise, according to a recent survey of more than 750 small to midsized business (SMB) respondents. Key factors prompting marketing budget growth in 2011 are increased expectation of the role and impact of social media and the realized return on investment in e-mail marketing efforts.

The survey, fielded by Zoomerang, a leading online survey and polling tool, and GrowBiz Media, a SMB content provider and consultant, offers an understanding of how companies with fewer than 1,000 employees plan to allocate 2011 budgets.

Heading into 2011, most SMBs plan to increase their marketing spend in both online and print mediums, with online activities receiving the largest increases. Among the marketing initiatives expected to increase the most are e-mail, website and social media marketing.

"It is remarkable to see the new ways that small and midsized businesses are adapting different technologies to make the most effective and creative use of their budgets," said Alex Terry, General Manager of Zoomerang. "More small to midsized companies are incorporating social media practices into their business development strategies. As a result, this area of marketing is poised to see an incredible uptick in the next year."

Among the more than 750 businesses surveyed, 34 percent indicated that they currently use social media in their marketing efforts. Of those using social media, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter were the most common channels chosen, used by 80 percent, 37 percent and 27 percent, respectively.

"Once again small and midsized business owners have shown their willingness to embrace new ideas and marketing methods," said Rieva Lesonsky, CEO of GrowBiz Media. "It's also encouraging that these business owners are planning to increase their 2011 marketing budgets, which will hopefully lead to an overall economic boost in the country."

For more information on the survey and its results, visit www.zoomerang.com/smb-marketing-practices-survey-2010 to view the report in its entirety.

About Zoomerang

Zoomerang was introduced by MarketTools in 1999 as the world's first Web-based survey tool. Zoomerang surveys and polls are fast, easy-to-use and powerful. Millions of individuals and thousands of businesses, non-profits and educational institutions trust Zoomerang to help them make more informed decisions with minimal cost and effort. Zoomerang provides customizable survey templates for the most common questions including customer satisfaction, meeting feedback, product feedback, event planning, online voting and hundreds more. Zoomerang customers can take advantage of Zoomerang Sample, a panel of more than 2.5 million consumers ready to take surveys, and professional services including expert survey design and survey programming. For more information, visit www.zoomerang.com.

About GrowBiz Media

Content and consulting company GrowBiz Media helps marketers, media companies, government agencies and other organizations effectively reach the small and midsized business audience. Rieva Lesonsky, founder and CEO of GrowBiz Media, was formerly the editorial director of Entrepreneur magazine and has been part of the world of entrepreneurs for nearly 30 years. GrowBiz Media's blog, www.SmallBizDaily.com, provides resources, inspiration and information to help entrepreneurs start and grow their companies. For more information, visit www.growbizmedia.com.

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SOURCE Zoomerang