In a recent Technorati report, marketing and public relations expert Ellie Becker claimed that small businesses are embracing the internet as a central tool for growth.
According to Becker, small companies can use a number of web-based tools to grow their businesses, including online payment gateways, social media networks and blogs.
Becker noted several recent studies that may back up her claims. One such study, conducted by American Express Open, found 65 percent of small businesses believe they are set to grow.
Another study, conducted by MerchantCircle, found 70 percent of businesses are now using social media websites, such as Facebook and Twitter for marketing purposes.
Despite these studies, however, Becker suggested businesses may be under-using the internet as a marketing tool. The findings, she said, "make me wonder how much time, effort and budget these businesses are putting into competitive research, strategy and planning."
Many businesses, for example, are using Facebook but have not yet adopted blogs, Twitter, or online payment gateways. "Facebook can be a great tool," Becker wrote. "But is it really the only place you need to be?"
Becker's observations may be backed up by a recent Small Business Authority survey, which found small businesses are under-using ecommerce payment solutions.
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