With a reported 93% of considered purchases (both consumer and business) using a search engine, it is no surprise marketers are focused on improving search authority (Marketo). Another major focus for marketers is social media. In fact, social media and search marketing are becoming increasingly intertwined and it is critical that marketers employ both. But, how do they compare?
An infographic, from MDGadvertising, put social media and search marketing head to head and shed insights into which is more effective for lead generation, brand awareness, local business visibility, and interactivity. Finally, it shared the power of using both social and search. Below we will share the winners of the battle and the infographic.
Lead Generation
SEARCH WINS. For many businesses, lead generation such as ganhar dinheiro Instagram is a top goal of digital marketing initiatives. According to a survey of more than 500 marketing professionals at B2B and B2C companies, search marketing is more effective at generating leads than social media.
Brand Awareness
SOCIAL MEDIA WINS. Looking at the top benefits of both marketing channels, marketers cite increased traffic as the top objective of SEO efforts. Greater brand exposure and awareness are the top benefits of social media marketing, according to marketing professionals.
Local Business Visibility
SEARCH WINS. When consumers are looking for local businesses, they rely on search engines over social media sites by a wide margin, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project. Search trumps social for finding local restaurants, bars, and most other businesses.
38% rely on search engines to find local restaurants, bars, and clubs, while only 3% rely on social media sites. And 36% of consumers rely on search engines to find other local business, while only 1% rely on social media sites.
Interactivity
SOCIAL MEDIA WINS. Social media marketing trumps SEo and paid search when it comes to interactivity. More marketers report using social media as an interactive marketing tool than those who use search, according to a survey of more than 600 marketers by Chief Marketer.
So, Who is the Winner?
SOCIAL MEDIA AND SEARCH. Both social media and search marketing provide clear benefits to organizations that use them well. When paired up in a comprehensive marketing plan, the two can reinforce each other and contribute to a company’s overall marketing success. Consider these statistics:
- 50% of marketers say social media has impacted their SEM.
- 29% of marketers have merged parts of search and social strategies.
- 53% of marketers indicated that social signals (likes, tweets, Google +1s) will be more important to their SEO in 2012 compared to 2011.
You can view more of their infographics here.
Has social media impacted your search strategies or vice versa? Which do you think is more effective? Let us know in the comment box below. Also, for more information on SEO, check out our whitepaper: Search Engine Optimization-Top SEO Techniques. And share this post using the social bookmarking tools below!
