It is clear that there is a concrete place for social media in small business.

Study after study shows that denying the place of social media in small business is a recipe for disaster. Social media marketing initiatives are no longer quirky add-ons for major brands. Social media has a place in every business’s marketing strategy, and the numbers are there to prove it.

This is especially true in the infographic below.

The statistics showcased in this infographic highlight just how useful social media can be when it comes to building your small business. It also shows the continuing upward trend of marketers using social media for their small business, and how results from social media can be measured to prove its effectiveness in building your business and increasing your exposure.

Perhaps what is most interesting, however, is that this data shows that there is still somewhat of a lack of understanding when it comes to effective social media in small business.

The mantra is simple: social media is about being social! Engagement is the cornerstone of any successful social media marketing strategy. The fact that only 53% of marketers are using social as an engagement tool means that there are plenty of small businesses missing the major opportunities associated with engagement.

Take a look at the data below and let us know what you find most interesting or important. Tell us in the comments below or on Twitter!