Facebook scores over Google among SME business users

Gone are the days when Google enjoyed a monopoly in the online market space and most SME entrepreneurs relied on this tool for promoting their offerings and getting access to news stories. Today Google faces stiff competition from Facebook as more individual users and business owners are seen resorting to this social networking site to increase their web visibility. Interesting revelations from a recent study may further promote the usage of Facebook and consequently increase its prominence among SME entrepreneurs in India.

Study findings

A recent study by Hitwise revealed that Facebook beat Google in March to emerge as the most visited site in the US. Another feather in its cap was securing the loyalty of its readers and scoring over Google News in this respect. According to analysts, Facebook is expected to earn US$2 billion in global advertising next year.

"Facebook is a global social networking portal that allows SME entrepreneurs to establish contact and renew association with business clients, customers and friends across the world. One can also run a successful campaign targeted at global clientele with the intention to reach users at multiple regions," says A. Bhattacharya, senior analyst at Cirrus Media, a small-sized research firm in Kolkata.

According to the study, users also rely on Facebook more than they do on Google News for updating themselves about recent developments, with nearly 78% of users seen returning to the site to access more news coverage, as compared to 67% who remain loyal to Google News. Resultantly, companies are thinking it wise to spend money on online advertisements on Facebook rather than Google.

"SME entrepreneurs use Facebook as a catalyst to interact with potential clients as well as other firms without facing cost or location constraints," states A. Dutta, proprietor of Colour Touch, a small-sized advertising agency in New Delhi.

Given the effectiveness and the wide array of marketing opportunities offered by Facebook, SME entrepreneurs and advertisers stand to gain immensely by using this social media tool for the promotion of their business interests.

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