SMBs betting big on online marketing

WILMINGTON, Del.: Small and medium business (SMB) are increasingly using video email and social media for their marketing activities, says a new study by GetResponse Email Marketing Trends survey.

Over 80 per cent of respondents plan to use video emails in 2010 and over 90 per cent of SMB marketers plan to integrate social media into their email campaigns this year. Almost 64 per cent of SMB marketers who use video emails claimed that it delivers significant increases in conversion rates.

Over 50 per cent of respondents stated that video emails can increase CTR. One of three marketers believes that video can enhance brand image and/or increase customer loyalty.  Over 20 per cent of marketers believe that video emails can also reduce support and training costs. Only 4.7 per cent email marketers do not see any benefits from using video emails. 

The study found out 113 per cent increase in use of links to new messages on social media pages; a 109.1 per cent increase in use of sign-up forms on Facebook, etc. fan pages; 88.8 per cent will increase share options and 71.6 per cent  more will place "follow us" links in email messages.

Simon Grabowski, founder, GetResponse said, "We were pleasantly surprised at the major uptick in SMB marketers planning to use video email marketing and social media integration in 2010.”

“According to our 2009 study, video emails delivered close to a 100 per cent increase in click through rates, so we know it works and expected the increase in use. But the 480 percent increase in planned video email use surprised even us,” he added.

The survey was conducted the online in January and February 2010. The study asked over 200 SMB email marketers from a wide range of business sectors and countries to share their opinions regarding topics such as video emails, social media integration, and the "war on inbox clutter", said a press release.

In general, the results show that the SMB marketer's toolkit is looking more sophisticated and media-rich, thanks to user-friendly and affordable online tools.