E-mailers Know Data Counts, But Few Use It Well

Emailvision's recent survey of global online marketers reinforced the continuing commitment to e-mail marketing (90%), but many of the 700 interviewed also admitted they failed to do even the most basic targeting! For example, only 20% personalize all e-mail. The majority (85%) said the consumer data they have acquired is not being put to use effectively, if at all. Only a little over half (55%) were satisfied with their ability to undertake basic targeting and segmentation. For more detail on the survey, see http://www.bizreport.com/2011/12/email-marketers-realize-importance-of-data-few-using-it.html

67% of Small Firms Won't Boost Social Media Spend

While 88% of small businesses say they think an investment in social media helps the bottom line, two-thirds don't want to put more money toward the channel in 2012, according to a new report by SocialStrategy1 and Office Arrow. A survey of 343 execs at firms with less than 10 employees found 67% don't plan to increase social media spending next year. Why the ambivalence? Many say they are overwhelmed by demands on time and personnel. For more report details, see http://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter/small-business-social-media-study_b15921