Have you ever done a web search before making a purchase, choosing a restaurant or going to a movie?

• There are 100 billion searches each month

• Over 82% of all product research begins with a web search

• Inbound Leads have an 8X greater likelihood of closing compared to other leads.

More importantly:

• 70% of buyer’s view 4 or more pieces of content when making a considered purchase.

• 71% of buyers trust brands that provide useful info without trying to sell something

• 67% More leads are generated by B2B companies that create interesting and useful content.

This is not really news, it is the way marketing has been practiced for centuries. People have always trusted the opinions of family, friends and co-workers more than the advertising claims made by businesses or for products. Again, this is nothing new, except now it is at the speed of light. That is why Social Media and Sharing websites like Yelp, Linkedin and Facebook are a significant source of pre-purchasing information. After all, who do you trust more, your best friend Mary or the advertising claims made by an actor portraying an insurance salesman?

Your prospects don’t have to wait for the family Sunday Dinner get together to exchange recommendations.

More than ever before, that information and more is available at light-speed 24/7 through the internet, on your home computer, that handy tablet or the smartphone you’re holding right now – make sure Inbound Marketing including Social Media is part of your marketing mix.