Is Small Business Social Networking Important?

With all the things small business owners have to worry about, the question of using Facebook as a marketing tool begs the question - do I really have to? Is it worth the time and effort? What possible benefit would using Facebook bring a small business?

In truth, it's unclear whether or not using Facebook as a  marketing tool increases business or not. As part of a marketing campaign, however, it is difficult to ignore the possibilities. Facebook keeps growing. It's easy and free to use. Lots of businesses are using it. The question now becomes "why not use Facebook?"

Facebook offers some real advantages over, for example, maintaining a blog. In an instant, a small business owner can post sales and other types of customer information on the company Facebook page. Interaction with customers or potential customers is fast and straightforward. Facebook is easily accessed via computer, tablet or smart phone, making it just about as convenient as it gets.

Perhaps the real reason to use Facebook, however, is that customers expect it. A business that does not use the latest marketing tools seems out-of-touch. Even though there is no research that indicates using Facebook increases revenue, it is without a doubt a marketing tool that should be utilized.