Top Benefits of Social Media Marketing
Given the rising number of social media users every year, there’s no questioning the effectiveness and benefits of social media marketing. In the United States alone, advertising expenditure on social networks is forecast to rise by 4.3% in 2025, to $79.7 billion.
Why is social media marketing important for businesses? The most popular social media platforms are powerful tools that help companies grow by increasing visibility, driving traffic, and boosting sales. Here are the top five benefits of social media marketing for businesses and how brands are leveraging them to succeed.
Top five benefits of social media marketing: table
|
Social media marketing benefit |
Percentage of marketers listing the following as a benefit of social media marketing |
|
Increased exposure |
83% |
|
Increased traffic |
73% |
|
Generated leads |
65% |
|
Developed loyal fans |
62% |
|
Improved sales |
52% |
Benefits of social media for businesses: top five
1. Increased exposure (83%)
According to a recent survey, the biggest benefit of marketing on social media is the increased exposure it offers. As many as 83% of businesses say they have received positive returns from it.
Nearly four in five consumers say user-generated content (UGC) significantly impacts their purchasing decisions. Leveraging UGC, running targeted ad campaigns, and using trending hashtags can amplify your brand’s reach. This makes social media marketing advantages essential for businesses seeking greater visibility. These strategies underline why social media marketing is important for increasing brand awareness and gaining a competitive edge.
2. Increased traffic (73%)
Another benefit of marketing on social media is the increased website traffic businesses receive. Close to three-quarters (73%) of brands say they experienced more visits to their online sites because of their social media presence.
While direct, organic search, and paid search account for over three-quarters of website traffic, social platforms play a crucial role in supplementing these sources. Hosting contests, engaging with influencers, and promoting shareable content drive social referrals. Additionally, utilizing calls-to-action in posts and optimizing landing pages linked from social profiles can encourage click-throughs. This expanded reach not only drives traffic but also enhances brand discoverability, creating more opportunities for conversions.
3. Generated leads (65%)
Generating leads ranks among the top benefits of social media marketing for businesses, with 65% of companies identifying it as a key advantage. Platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram provide tools such as lead forms, targeted ads, and analytics to connect with potential customers. Engaging content like downloadable resources and webinars captures attention and encourages users to share contact information. This showcases why social media marketing is important for businesses aiming to build a robust sales funnel and expand their customer base.
4. Developed loyal fans (62%)
Building brand loyalty is another major benefit of marketing on social media, as highlighted by 62% of businesses. Regular engagement through comments, replies, and exclusive content strengthens relationships with followers, turning them into advocates. Community-focused activities, like hosting events or creating private groups, help brands foster deeper connections. Loyal fans not only return as repeat customers but also promote your brand through word-of-mouth.
5. Improve sales (52%)
Improving sales is a top goal for businesses, and more than half (52%) of brands report that using social media for marketing has directly resulted in increased revenue. Social media platforms offer advanced features like shoppable posts and live-stream selling, simplifying the path from discovery to purchase. Positive reviews and testimonials on these platforms build trust and encourage conversions.
Social media marketing benefits: other considerations
Before jumping into crafting a social media marketing strategy, you need to first understand your target audience to fully leverage the benefits of using social media marketing.
For instance, social media marketing advantages are particularly effective for younger demographics. Data on social media age demographics shows that people between ages 20 and 29 are particularly heavy users of social media—making up nearly one-third of all active users. This makes social networks one of the best marketing channels through which to reach them.
This number falls to 8.6% for consumers aged 60 and above. Businesses targeting older consumers may find better success through other channels, but for younger audiences, social media remains one of the most effective marketing tools.