SMBs use a variety of sources to learn about technology solutions and trends, but three in particular stand out from the rest, according to the “2014 SMB Routes to Market Study” [PDF] from the SMB Group, portions of which were provided to this publication. Asked their 3 most important information sources, surveyed SMBs pointed first to vendor and/or service provider websites (43%), followed by professional advisors and/or consultants (42%) and colleagues in similar businesses (41%).
Not far behind those top sources are technology and/or industry analysts, considered a top-3 information source by 36% of respondents. Interestingly, search engines (30%) outranked tradeshows (24%), perhaps due to their greater accessibility. Newspapers, business journals and/or magazines (whether print or online) are also a significant influencer, perceived to be a top information source for 1 in 5 respondents. On the other end, few consider social media sites (5%) or blogs (4%) to be particularly important in their search for technology solutions. Read the rest at MarketingCharts.
The e-Strategy Academy covers all aspects of digital marketing including search optimization & marketing, email marketing, social media marketing, video marketing, mobile marketing & public relations.