SMBs Turn to Social Media and AI for Growth
Social media remains a vital tool for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) seeking growth, according to a recent Verizon Business and Morning Consult study. Over 75% of SMBs surveyed agree that social media positively impacts their business performance.
The sixth annual State of Small Business Survey reveals that SMBs primarily use social media for sales promotions, customer engagement, and driving online traffic. Facebook leads as the most popular platform, with 82% of respondents leveraging it. Instagram and YouTube follow closely, with TikTok also gaining traction.
Content Creation Challenges and AI Solutions
Despite the benefits, over half of SMBs struggle to maintain fresh content and keep pace with evolving social media trends. This has led to increased investment in content creation, with 71% having dedicated staff or departments.
To address these challenges, many SMBs are turning to artificial intelligence (AI). 28% already use AI for marketing and social media, while 24% utilize it for written communications. The survey indicates a growing interest in AI, with 71% of respondents open to using it for social media and marketing, and 64% for written communications. AI is also being considered for inventory management, data management, product recommendations, and customer service.
The survey, conducted in March 2025, polled 600 small to midsize businesses (defined as less than 500 employees). It highlights the ongoing importance of social media for SMB growth and the emerging role of AI in navigating the complexities of digital marketing.
Learn more about the survey: Verizon 2025 State of Small Business Survey
