---
title: "Social Media Marketing: What Are You Waiting For?"
description: According to the 2017 B2B Content Marketing Trends report, 83% of B2B companies use social media marketing as part of their content marketing strategy.
image: https://blog.netplusalliance.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/22770619_1875741022441433_6413493097128097515_o-2-1024x683.jpg
---

[![NetPlus](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/hubfs/NetPlus%20Logo-01.svg "NetPlus")](https://www.netplusalliance.com/)

[ JOIN TODAY ](https://www.netplusalliance.com/join/)

# Social Media Marketing: What Are You Waiting For?

 July 20, 2018 by [NetPlus Alliance](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/author/netplusalliance)

![](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/22770619_1875741022441433_6413493097128097515_o-2-1024x683.jpg)

According to the [2017 B2B Content Marketing Trends](https://contentmarketinginstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/2017_B2B_Research_FINAL.pdf) report, 83% of B2B companies use social media marketing as part of their content marketing strategy. In addition, the report shows that second only to email as a method of marketing communication, LinkedIn was the most used social media channel for B2B marketers with 89% saying they use the channel to distribute content.

As some marketing budgets get leaner and the competition heats up, distributors that wish to remain relevant need to get onboard with social media marketing. Although we’ve been saying this for some time here at NetPlus, we feel like some distributors are still reluctant to use social media marketing as a significant part of their overall industrial marketing efforts. Here are a few reasons we think the time is now:

- **Social media is inexpensive.** Businesses can create their own social media pages for free and, if they have the staffing, can manage those pages without cost as well. If that sounds daunting to you, those projects can be outsourced in a variety of different ways at different price points.
- **Social media is easy to measure.** Businesses can navigate the ins and outs of their social media accounts to see tangible results and engagement. Even if you have an outside company managing your accounts, you can still measure progress and success easily or arrange for a system of simple reporting from your outsourced help.
- **Your customers use social media.** To succeed in marketing, businesses need to be where the market is. Being absent from an arena where your customers are engaging is not an option. Businesses that actively interact with customers on social media can better promote themselves and their offerings.
- **It takes less time than other marketing efforts.** Social media marketing takes time, but not as much as you might think. The average small business may only spend a few hours on social media each week and they can see results in real time. The ROI for social media marketing is not a mystery so it’s worth the small investment to see tangible results.

The question distributors must ask themselves if they are still not using social media marketing is, what are you waiting for? Your customers are already there and it’s an easy, cost-effective method with measurable results.

If you’re not already, join NetPlus Alliance on our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and LinkedIn Groups. Our NetPlus networks provide the latest news about our group, small business tips and videos, as well as products and promotions from your NetPlus preferred suppliers.

NetPlus Alliance has also put together a guide for our distributors and preferred suppliers in partnership with Southwire and Spinstak: Social Media Marketing for Industrial Distribution Guide. If you’d like a copy, please let us know!

**By Zach Brado**

 Topics: [Blog](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/topic/blog)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

- Recent
- Popular
- Categories

### Lists by Topic

- [Blog (78)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/blog)
- [Industrial Supplies Buying Group (25)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-supplies-buying-group)
- [Industrial Buying Group (20)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-buying-group)
- [Tips for Distributors (18)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/tips-for-distributors)
- [Industrial Distributor (14)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-distributor)
- [Uncategorized (14)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/uncategorized)
- [Contractor Supplies Buying Group (13)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/contractor-supplies-buying-group)
- [Group Updates (10)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/group-updates)
- [NetPlus Alliance Industry Outlook (10)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-alliance-industry-outlook)
- [Distributor Tips (9)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/distributor-tips)
- [Tips for Growth (9)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/tips-for-growth)
- [Tips for Business Owners (8)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/tips-for-business-owners)
- [Benefits of a Buying Group (7)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/benefits-of-a-buying-group)
- [NetPlus News (7)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-news)
- [Employee Training (6)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/employee-training)
- [Manufacturer Buying Group (6)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/manufacturer-buying-group)
- [Supplier News (6)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/supplier-news)
- [Distributor News (5)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/distributor-news)
- [Hiring Tactics For Industrial Distributors (5)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/hiring-tactics-for-industrial-distributors)
- [Industrial Suppliers Distributor (5)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-suppliers-distributor)
- [NetPlus Alliance Case Study (5)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-alliance-case-study)
- [Artificial Intelligence (4)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/artificial-intelligence)
- [Build Channel Partnership (4)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/build-channel-partnership)
- [COVID19 (4)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/covid19)
- [Distributor Member Q&A (4)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/distributor-member-qa)
- [Employee Morale (4)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/employee-morale)
- [Hand Tools (4)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/hand-tools)
- [NetPlus Alliance Supplier (4)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-alliance-supplier)
- [NetPlus Distributors (4)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-distributors)
- [Product Training (4)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/product-training)
- [Supplier Relationships (4)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/supplier-relationships)
- [BlueVolt Training (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/bluevolt-training)
- [Business Service Provider (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/business-service-provider)
- [Business Tips (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/business-tips)
- [Buying Group (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/buying-group)
- [Distributor Insight (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/distributor-insight)
- [Growth Plus Plan (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/growth-plus-plan)
- [How to Navigate Change (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/how-to-navigate-change)
- [Knipex Tools (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/knipex-tools)
- [NetPlus Alliance (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-alliance)
- [NetPlus Alliance Annual Meeting (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-alliance-annual-meeting)
- [News (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/news)
- [Online Training (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/online-training)
- [Safety Supplier (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/safety-supplier)
- [Supply Chain Management (3)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/supply-chain-management)
- [AI (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/ai)
- [AI Strategy (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/ai-strategy)
- [AI for Distributors (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/ai-for-distributors)
- [Avery Industrial (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/avery-industrial)
- [Bible (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/bible)
- [Dan Judge (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/dan-judge)
- [Distribution Business (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/distribution-business)
- [ERP Software (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/erp-software)
- [Group News (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/group-news)
- [Growth Plus (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/growth-plus)
- [Hiring Tips (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/hiring-tips)
- [Industrial Distribution Trends (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-distribution-trends)
- [Industrial Suppliers (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-suppliers)
- [Marketing Ideas For Industrial Distributors (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/marketing-ideas-for-industrial-distributors)
- [Marketing Tips (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/marketing-tips)
- [NetPlus Academy powered by BlueVolt (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-academy-powered-by-bluevolt)
- [NetPlus Alliance Update (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-alliance-update)
- [NetPlus Supplier (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-supplier)
- [Rebate Distribution (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/rebate-distribution)
- [Safety Equipment (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/safety-equipment)
- [Safety Signs (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/safety-signs)
- [Supply Chain Strategy (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/supply-chain-strategy)
- [Workplace Safety (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/workplace-safety)
- [eCommerce Solutions for Industrial Distributors (2)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/ecommerce-solutions-for-industrial-distributors)
- [2015 (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/2015-group-updates)
- [ANSI Safety Sign Standards (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/ansi-safety-sign-standards)
- [Adaptability (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/adaptability)
- [ArcOne (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/arcone)
- [Asset Management (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/asset-management)
- [Asset Tracking (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/asset-tracking)
- [Avery (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/avery)
- [Business Asset Tracking Benefits (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/business-asset-tracking-benefits)
- [Cable Pulling Accessories (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/cable-pulling-accessories)
- [Cable Pulling Solutions (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/cable-pulling-solutions)
- [ChatGPT (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/chatgpt)
- [Cloud Technology (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/cloud-technology)
- [Cloud-Based ERP Systems (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/cloud-based-erp-systems)
- [Coronavirus (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/coronavirus)
- [Custom Safety Kits (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/custom-safety-kits)
- [Disinfecting Wipe Kits (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/disinfecting-wipe-kits)
- [Distribution Partners (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/distribution-partners)
- [Distributor Inventory Strategy (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/distributor-inventory-strategy)
- [Distributor Profitability (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/distributor-profitability)
- [Distributor sales training (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/distributor-sales-training)
- [Employee Safety (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/employee-safety)
- [Hand Sanitizer (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/hand-sanitizer)
- [Hoists (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/hoists)
- [Holiday Tips (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/holiday-tips)
- [How to Implement Training (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/how-to-implement-training)
- [ISA (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/isa)
- [Industrial Distributors (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-distributors)
- [Industrial Software (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-software)
- [Industrial Supply Association (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-supply-association)
- [Industrial Vending (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-vending)
- [Industrial buying groups (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-buying-groups)
- [Innovative Cable Pullers (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/innovative-cable-pullers)
- [Integrated Supply Software (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/integrated-supply-software)
- [Inventory Control Solutions (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/inventory-control-solutions)
- [Inventory Stratification (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/inventory-stratification)
- [John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/john-j-buckley-lifetime-achievement-award)
- [Knipex Innovations (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/knipex-innovations)
- [MRO Material Management (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/mro-material-management)
- [Midland Tool (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/midland-tool)
- [NPS Spill Control (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/nps-spill-control)
- [NSC National Safety Congress & Expo (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/nsc-national-safety-congress-expo)
- [NetPlus (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus)
- [NetPlus Alliance Award Winners (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-alliance-award-winners)
- [NetPlus Alliance Group Purchases Growth (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-alliance-group-purchases-growth)
- [NetPlus Alliance Growth (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-alliance-growth)
- [NetPlus Alliance Success Story (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-alliance-success-story)
- [NetPlus History (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-history)
- [NetPlus Member News (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-member-news)
- [NetPlus Partnerships (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-partnerships)
- [NetPlus Perks (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/netplus-perks)
- [Northern Safety & Industrial (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/northern-safety-industrial)
- [ORS Nasco (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/ors-nasco)
- [OSHA Safety Sign Standards (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/osha-safety-sign-standards)
- [OSHA Violations (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/osha-violations)
- [Personal Protection Equipment (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/personal-protection-equipment)
- [Product Data Best Practices (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/product-data-best-practices)
- [Product Expansion (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/product-expansion)
- [Professional Pliers (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/professional-pliers)
- [Profitability (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/profitability)
- [ROI of sales training (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/roi-of-sales-training)
- [Safety (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/safety)
- [Safety Cabinets (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/safety-cabinets)
- [Safety Helmet (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/safety-helmet)
- [Safety Lockers (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/safety-lockers)
- [Safety Lockout Kits (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/safety-lockout-kits)
- [Safety Prodcuts (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/safety-prodcuts)
- [Safety Tips (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/safety-tips)
- [Social Media (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/social-media)
- [Southwire (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/southwire)
- [Spilfyter Wipe Kits (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/spilfyter-wipe-kits)
- [Spill Control (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/spill-control)
- [Successful 2021 (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/successful-2021)
- [Supply Chain Disruption (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/supply-chain-disruption)
- [Supply Chain Partnerships (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/supply-chain-partnerships)
- [Tips for Sales Reps (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/tips-for-sales-reps)
- [Tips for Suppliers (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/tips-for-suppliers)
- [Tool Tips (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/tool-tips)
- [Trade show (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/trade-show)
- [Training ROI (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/training-roi)
- [Trust Teamwork (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/trust-teamwork)
- [Vendor Managed Inventory (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/vendor-managed-inventory)
- [Walter Surface Technologies (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/walter-surface-technologies)
- [Ways to Elevate Your Distribution Business (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/ways-to-elevate-your-distribution-business)
- [Website Lead Gen Tips (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/website-lead-gen-tips)
- [Website Lead Generation Checkup (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/website-lead-generation-checkup)
- [Welding Hand Tools (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/welding-hand-tools)
- [What is a buying group (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/what-is-a-buying-group)
- [Wholesale Supplier (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/wholesale-supplier)
- [Why Training Matters (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/why-training-matters)
- [Why it’s Important to Make Time for Training (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/why-its-important-to-make-time-for-training)
- [Women in the Industry (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/women-in-the-industry)
- [Wright Tool (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/wright-tool)
- [b2b sales training (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/b2b-sales-training)
- [cleaning protocols (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/cleaning-protocols)
- [distributor training (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/distributor-training)
- [eCommerce platforms for industrial distributors (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/ecommerce-platforms-for-industrial-distributors)
- [industrial distributor buying groups (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industrial-distributor-buying-groups)
- [industry buying group (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/industry-buying-group)
- [online sales training (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/online-sales-training)
- [sales training (1)](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/tag/sales-training)

[see all](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/social-media-marketing#)

[![access the netplus alliance industry outlook](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6063595/0607c6a0-6ced-42a0-8aee-fbc21ce10333.png) ](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6063595/0607c6a0-6ced-42a0-8aee-fbc21ce10333)

---

 PREVIOUS STORY

[Staying Ahead of SEO in 2018: Keep it Authentic](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/keep-seo-authentic)

[**](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/)

 NEXT STORY

[Growth Plus: Commit to Profitable Growth in 2019](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/growth-plus-commit-profitable-growth-2019)

## Recent Posts

Blog

## [A Guide to Better Industrial Marketing: Google Alerts](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/a-step-by-step-guide-to-better-marketing-google-alerts)

 July 1, 2013 | 1 minute read

[Read More **](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/a-step-by-step-guide-to-better-marketing-google-alerts)

[![](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/hubfs/Marketing%20Ideas%20For%20Industrial%20Distributors.jpg) ](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/4-marketing-ideas-for-industrial-distributors)

Industrial Supplies Buying Group | Industrial Buying Group | Industrial Distributor | Marketing Ideas For Industrial Distributors

## [4 Marketing Ideas For Industrial Distributors](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/4-marketing-ideas-for-industrial-distributors)

 June 10, 2021 | 3 minute read

[Read More **](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/4-marketing-ideas-for-industrial-distributors)

[![netplus industrial distribution buying group](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/hubfs/netplus-profitability-members-blog.jpg) ](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/how-netplus-drives-profitability-for-distributor-members)

Blog | Distributor Profitability | Distributor News | Industrial Buying Group | Profitability | NetPlus Distributors

## [How NetPlus Drives Profitability for Distributor Members](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/how-netplus-drives-profitability-for-distributor-members)

 June 3, 2020 | 1 minute read

[Read More **](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/how-netplus-drives-profitability-for-distributor-members)

### Don't Miss Out on the Latest Articles, Subscribe Today!

[![footer-logo](https://blog.netplusalliance.com/hubfs/footer-logo.png "footer-logo")](https://www.netplusalliance.com/)

57 Canal Street  
Lockport, NY 14094  
(716) 438-2014

[** ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/netplus-alliance/) [** ](https://www.facebook.com/NetPlusAlliance) [** ](https://twitter.com/netplusalliance?lang=en) [** ](https://www.instagram.com/netplusalliance/?hl=en)

[ Join Today ](https://offer.netplusalliance.com/consultation)

[ Member Login ](https://portal.netplusalliance.com/?username=&password=&submit=Login)

Copyright 2026 | NetPlus Alliance