SmartPulse — our weekly nonscientific reader poll in SmartBrief on Social Media — tracks feedback from leading marketers about social media practices and issues.
Last week’s poll question: How would you describe your level of social-marketing expertise?
Student — I’m learning a lot about social marketing, but I’m not field-tested: 24.32%
Solid — I’m putting my social skills into practice but haven’t seen results: 22.97%
Strong — I’m able to apply what I’ve learned and see results: 22.07%
Stellar — Others turn to me for advice: 17.57%
Struggling — I’m not so sure I understand social marketing: 12.16%
Still in shock — I learned about this technology last week: 0.9%
It comes as no surprise that many readers who participated in our poll consider themselves fluent in social media. Social media are quickly becoming an essential marketing and communication tool, and more business owners are making an effort to keep up with the trend. Less than 1% of those polled said they only recently learned about social media, down from 1.3% of respondents who said the same a year ago.
Last year’s poll also showed that nearly 30% of readers considered themselves students of social media, with knowledge and training but no real experience. That number went down this year, with less than a quarter of those polled putting themselves in the student category, and more than 60% of readers saying their social media skills are either solid, strong or stellar.
As for those who are still learning, it’s time to take your skills out of the classroom and onto the social media landscape. The only way to start reaping benefits of social marketing is to get out there and do it. So, what are you waiting for?
What, if any, concerns do you still have about social marketing?