Over the years, that have been many studies and other research conducted to gauge the effect social media has on small businesses. It’s no big secret that being able to successfully integrate social media practices into the small business atmosphere is of huge importance in order for a business to remain modern and competitive.

However, some of the facts that have come about as the result of this research is disheartening to say the least.

A few items to alarm you:

• Most small businesses are still “experimenting” with social media. Outside of infrequent Facebook posts and a profile on LinkedIn, nothing else much has been done.
• Less that 15% of surveyed businesses saw the importance of social media.
• At recent rates, small business still doesn’t look to be fully adapting social media—and it likely won’t within the course of the next year or so.

A recent survey conducted by the Wall Street Journal found that most small business are primarily relying on LinkedIn; Twitter, on the other hand, isn’t nearly as popular as a lot of internet hoopla would lead you to believe. In fact, here’s another alarming fact for you…

When asked which social media platform had the potential for the most growth within their business, the answer at a rate of 40% was LinkedIn. When asked which platform showed the second most potential, 17% answered “none.” This 17% listed higher than Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Youtube.

Another scary fact collected from this study showed that slightly more than 30% of those surveyed spend no time at all on social media with 48% spending a scant 1-5 hours a week.

What it boils down to is that many small businesses simply don’t see where social media has helped large businesses—so why would it help them?  And with finances being so tight for many small businesses, spending more money on a tactic they don’t find quick results in can be a scary move.

But there is success waiting in the realm of social media; the trick is to find out how your business can use it to your advantage.