The latest B2B Marketing Benchmark Report – based on a survey of 274 client side B2B marketers conducted by us here at Circle Research – finally seems to provide a definitive answer.  B2B marcomms B2B Marketing Magazine column Observations on B2B marketing B2B marketing statistics B2B research B2B social media Benchmarking reportB2B social media; is it a case of the Emperor’s New Clothes? The social media Emperor is getting dressed, but is still in his underpants. The report is set to be launched late August, but here’s a sneak preview. There was a lot of talk.  MORE >>

An annual study by the Center for Marketing Research at the University of Massachusetts concludes that social media use by the largest companies in the world has stalled, or perhaps is even re-trenching. The researchers conclude: These results may signal a leveling off and possibly retrenchment when it comes to the adoption of social media among the 2011 F500. research corporate social media use social media researchLet’s look at some of the numbers from the study. But the issue is even more dramatic than this chart depicts. What do you make of these trends? MORE >>

According to research from the Content Marketing Institute , B2B marketers are now spending 26% of their budget on content marketing. Best Practice: Enable Self-Directed Research Many B2B websites enable prospects to find the information they need, and they should. Multiple research reports have shown B2B buyers conduct more than 70% of their research before engaging with sales. Providing access to a range of content that allows potential buyers to continue their research is critical. This practice should not stop at your website. MORE >>

In order to explore this topic, and give back to the industry, Don Bulmer and Peter Auditore and I are conducting a new study as Fellows of the Society of NewCommunications Research (SNCR). The Social Mind research project is designed to explore and understand these interrelationships and how they impact the consumption of information across social media channels and influence flow. Through SNCR, we are endeavoring to contribute to the industry learning and best practices with much needed research data. And, be sure to check out The Society of New Communication Research. MORE >>

But research is still the main factor when it comes to web use. Before social media people went mainly to search engines to research and to find products and services. And there are not only consumers who research there. B2B is also using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and other social networks to research for products, services, industry related information and new business partners. Research for industry related B2B groups and people. Further important resorces: B2B Decision-Makers Diversify Digital Research. Start a social media presence. MORE >>