Navigating Success: The Impact of Social Media Strategies on Small and Medium-Scale Businesses in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Purpose: The increasing influence of social media has significantly transformed small and medium scale businesses (SMSBs) operations in developing regions. This study assesses the impact of various social media tools on SMSB performance in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria...

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Main Authors: Aniediabasi James Udom, Joshua Christopher Ekpouko
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: International Journal of Innovation in Marketing Elements 2024-11-01
Series:International Journal of Innovation in Marketing Elements
Subjects:
Online Access:https://ijime.ir/index.php/ijime/article/view/78
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author Aniediabasi James Udom
Joshua Christopher Ekpouko
author_facet Aniediabasi James Udom
Joshua Christopher Ekpouko
author_sort Aniediabasi James Udom
collection DOAJ
description Purpose: The increasing influence of social media has significantly transformed small and medium scale businesses (SMSBs) operations in developing regions. This study assesses the impact of various social media tools on SMSB performance in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It aims to evaluate the effectiveness of tools such as content creation, marketing strategies, brand building, networking, and e-commerce integration. Methodology: Using a survey design, data were collected from 331 respondents out of a sample of 363 SMSBs, drawn from a population of approximately 3,957, determined using the Yaro Yamane formula. Structured questionnaires facilitated data collection, and analyses included simple percentages, frequency tables, SPSS coding, and multiple regression analysis. Findings: The findings reveal that content creation and sharing significantly enhance SMSB performance (t = 5.809, p = 0.000). In contrast, marketing strategies exhibit a significant negative impact (t = -4.455, p = 0.000), indicating effectiveness challenges. Brand building and awareness positively influence performance (t = 6.861, p = 0.000), emphasizing the need for a strong brand presence. Networking and collaboration yield the most substantial positive effect (t = 9.019, p = 0.000), highlighting the value of strategic partnerships. Conversely, e-commerce and sales integration show no significant effect (t = -0.468, p = 0.640), suggesting it may be less critical than other strategies. The study concludes that leveraging social media tools strategically can enhance SMSB performance. It recommends that SMSBs prioritize high-quality content, brand building, and effective networking while re-evaluating traditional marketing strategies for improved impact. Originality / Value: This research contributes valuable insights into how specific social media strategies affect SMSB performance in developing countries, offering actionable recommendations for business owners in Akwa Ibom State and similar regions.
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spelling doaj-art-401aa04d8b73434c8a1b07bf0554a76a2025-08-20T03:42:15ZengInternational Journal of Innovation in Marketing ElementsInternational Journal of Innovation in Marketing Elements2783-378X2024-11-014110.59615/ijime.4.1.39Navigating Success: The Impact of Social Media Strategies on Small and Medium-Scale Businesses in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, NigeriaAniediabasi James Udom0Joshua Christopher Ekpouko1Department of Marketing, School of Management, Heritage Polytechnic, Ikot Udota, Eket, Nigeria.Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences, Akwa Ibom State University, Mkpant Enin, Nigeria. Purpose: The increasing influence of social media has significantly transformed small and medium scale businesses (SMSBs) operations in developing regions. This study assesses the impact of various social media tools on SMSB performance in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It aims to evaluate the effectiveness of tools such as content creation, marketing strategies, brand building, networking, and e-commerce integration. Methodology: Using a survey design, data were collected from 331 respondents out of a sample of 363 SMSBs, drawn from a population of approximately 3,957, determined using the Yaro Yamane formula. Structured questionnaires facilitated data collection, and analyses included simple percentages, frequency tables, SPSS coding, and multiple regression analysis. Findings: The findings reveal that content creation and sharing significantly enhance SMSB performance (t = 5.809, p = 0.000). In contrast, marketing strategies exhibit a significant negative impact (t = -4.455, p = 0.000), indicating effectiveness challenges. Brand building and awareness positively influence performance (t = 6.861, p = 0.000), emphasizing the need for a strong brand presence. Networking and collaboration yield the most substantial positive effect (t = 9.019, p = 0.000), highlighting the value of strategic partnerships. Conversely, e-commerce and sales integration show no significant effect (t = -0.468, p = 0.640), suggesting it may be less critical than other strategies. The study concludes that leveraging social media tools strategically can enhance SMSB performance. It recommends that SMSBs prioritize high-quality content, brand building, and effective networking while re-evaluating traditional marketing strategies for improved impact. Originality / Value: This research contributes valuable insights into how specific social media strategies affect SMSB performance in developing countries, offering actionable recommendations for business owners in Akwa Ibom State and similar regions. https://ijime.ir/index.php/ijime/article/view/78Social MediaSmall and Medium Scale BusinessesPerformanceNetworkingBrand Building
spellingShingle Aniediabasi James Udom
Joshua Christopher Ekpouko
Navigating Success: The Impact of Social Media Strategies on Small and Medium-Scale Businesses in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
International Journal of Innovation in Marketing Elements
Social Media
Small and Medium Scale Businesses
Performance
Networking
Brand Building
title Navigating Success: The Impact of Social Media Strategies on Small and Medium-Scale Businesses in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
title_full Navigating Success: The Impact of Social Media Strategies on Small and Medium-Scale Businesses in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
title_fullStr Navigating Success: The Impact of Social Media Strategies on Small and Medium-Scale Businesses in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
title_full_unstemmed Navigating Success: The Impact of Social Media Strategies on Small and Medium-Scale Businesses in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
title_short Navigating Success: The Impact of Social Media Strategies on Small and Medium-Scale Businesses in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
title_sort navigating success the impact of social media strategies on small and medium scale businesses in ikot ekpene akwa ibom state nigeria
topic Social Media
Small and Medium Scale Businesses
Performance
Networking
Brand Building
url https://ijime.ir/index.php/ijime/article/view/78
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