The latest report from ECNETNews underscores the evolving strategies of new small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) as they utilize social media and technology to foster growth amid economic challenges. The study surveyed 1,600 SMBs across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, all of which have been in operation for five years or less.
Key findings reveal that social media is the primary marketing tool for emerging entrepreneurs, with 63% of new SMBs acknowledging it as their main channel. Furthermore, 73% reported that both paid and organic social media posts serve as their most significant revenue sources.
Although social media remains a focal point, many small businesses are keen to diversify their marketing strategies. Notably, 33% consider email marketing an underused asset, while only 15% are tapping into SMS marketing, despite its potential for high engagement.
Additionally, new SMBs are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize operations and enhance marketing initiatives. The report highlights that 72% of SMBs intend to incorporate AI into their marketing strategies by 2025, employing it for tasks such as content creation (37%), customer data analysis (32%), and personalized messaging (31%). Furthermore, 41% of confident SMB owners are already leveraging AI for customer data analysis.
The findings reflect the resilience and adaptability of new entrepreneurs, with 45% expressing high confidence in their business growth for 2025, while 55% voiced concerns over challenges such as customer acquisition, rising costs, and changing consumer behaviors. Still, 95% of entrepreneurs indicated they would choose small business ownership again, with 71% feeling excited and 57% proud to be part of the SMB community.
ECNETNews emphasizes the adaptability of new SMBs as they embrace social media and AI-driven technologies in their growth strategies. As these businesses strive to broaden their marketing efforts beyond social media, the integration of AI and automation emerges as a vital component for maintaining competitiveness in a dynamic economic environment.
