Social media, although a relatively recent phenomenon, is becoming an increasingly important part

of any businesss marketing and client base development platform. The perception of social media
marketing has shifted quicklyno longer viewed as a trendy or passing fad, having a flexible and
well-managed presence in each of the big three (Facebook, Twitter, and Google+) has become a
must for any business seeking to secure a place in both the traditional and digital marketplace
(Bosari 2012).

1. 94% of all businesses with a marketing department used social media as part of their
marketing platform
2. Almost 60% of marketers are devoting the equivalent of a full work day to social media
marketing development and maintenance
3. 43% of people aged 20-29 spend more than 10 hours a week on social media sites
4. 85% of all businesses that have a dedicated social media platform as part of their marketing
strategy reported an increase in their market exposure
5. 58% of businesses that have used social media marketing for over 3 years reported an
increase in sales over that period

The worlds internet-using population has crossed a billion, with Asia accounting for 45% of it.
There has been a phenomenal 600% growth of internet users in Asia since the year 2000. Asias
two largest economies, China and India already boast of 500 million internet users, estimated to go
up to 1200 million users by 2015. Given the fact that internet penetration in Asia is below 30%
at present, this means explosive potential growth in Asias emerging markets. The Internet, and
through it, social media is leading major evolutionary trends both in society and business (Koul
2012).

http://www.forbes.com/sites/moneywisewomen/2012/08/08/the-developing-role-of-social-mediain-the-modern-business-world/
http://www.wipro.com/Documents/insights/The_Role_of_Social_Media_in_Business.pdf