The marketing destination for 2012? Going mobile and social

By Barry Moltz

According to the Ad-ology 2012 Small Business Marketing Forecast, one in five small businesses plan to invest more resources in mobile applications and advertising in 2012. As a result of their own experience with smartphones, the companies see mobile as a way to deliver a new ad message quickly. This is in stark contrast to 2009, when only 2% of small businesses surveyed planned increased resources for mobile.

Only 10% say they will not use social media in 2012, which is down from 39% just two years ago. For the first time, “improving the customer experience” was ranked at the top of the social-media benefits list. In fact, the preferred way many consumers now communicate their concerns with a company is through social media.

Other key findings from the study for 2012:

* 29% of small business owners plan to increase budgets for direct mail.

* Newspapers, with their new emphasis on digital, as well as broadcast TV, cable TV and radio are also expected to see increases.

* Nearly 25% plan to increase their budget for daily deals.

* 45% plan to increase their overall advertising spending in 2012, with just 4% percent planning a decrease.

How will your business be using social media and mobile in 2012?

Barry Moltz is a Chicago-based serial entrepreneur, business consultant, marketing expert, mediator, speaker and author of several books on small-business success. Look for his advice on Crain’s blog for entrepreneurs every Monday. Barry is also a regular contributor to the American Express Open Forum.

Follow Barry on Twitter: @BarryMoltz.

Listen to podcasts of Barry’s “Business Insanity” radio show here.

We welcome your comments, but to comment, you have to register! Registration is free – click here to get started.

Related posts:

1. Barry Moltz: What your Facebook statistics mean
2. Facebook Readying Mobile Ad Push For 2012, Right Around The Expected IPO
3. Nick Harrison: Huge increase in holiday mobile use
4. Go Mobile Business Solutions Launches Mobile Apps Development For Local Businesses