About 60% of Americans interact with companies on a social media website, and one in four interact more than once per week. The survey (by Opinion Research*) finds that 93% of Americans believe a company should have a presence in social media, while 85% believe a company should not only be present, but should also interact with its consumers via social media.

56% of American consumers feel both a stronger connection with, and better served by, companies when they can interact with them in a social media environment.

Mike Hollywood, director of new media for Cone, observes that “… social media… it isn’t an intrusion into their lives, but rather a welcome channel for discussion.”

When Americans were asked about specific types of interactions:

• 43% say that companies should use social networks to solve my problems
• 41%  want companies to solicit feedback on their products and services
• 37% feel that companies should develop new ways for consumers to interact with their brand
• 33% of  men and 17% of women interact frequently (one or more times per week) with companies via social media

“The ease and efficiency of online conversation is likely a draw for men who historically do not seek out the same level of interaction with companies as women,” says Hollywood.

Two-thirds of the wealthiest households and the largest households (3 or more members) feel stronger connections to brands they interact with online.

Download the Cone Business in Social Media Study here

• Read the social media BusinessWeek story that highlights why social media is worth a small business owners’ time.
• Contact 720MEDIA for help marketing your business today! Average cost for a small professional business website is $990 – $1,500.
• Request a cost estimate for your web design or marketing project