Spun Digital - Finding customers online

One quarter of small and medium-sized UK firms are using social media as part of their online marketing strategy, it has been revealed.

Research carried out by Daryl Willcox Publishing showed 27 per cent of those questioned used social media platforms such as blogging, Twitter, Facebook and online forums to communicate with customers.

The study surveyed 285 companies with between one and 250 employees.

Founder of the company, Daryl Willcox, commented: "Small and medium businesses are showing real imagination when it comes to choosing marketing techniques.

"Many are embracing social media and combining this with more traditional marketing methods."

He added that companies are increasingly realising the importance of being visible online and having an up-to-date digital presence.

Last week software provider Pierhouse predicted that mobile marketing via text messaging may soon overtake traditional email advertising campaigns in terms of popularity.

Adrian Segens, business development director, said that the strategy is becoming an increasingly important element of the marketing mix.