Email marketing (60%) is the program most cited by business leaders for a 2012 increase in spend, according to [pdf] a December 2011 study conducted by StrongMail in conjunction with Zoomerang. Data from the “2012 Marketing Trends Survey” indicates that more respondents plan to increase their social media budgets (55%) than their mobile or search (SEO/PPC) spend (both at 37%). By contrast, few executives expect to increase their spend on direct mail (18%), tradeshows & events (18%), or public relations (16%).
Overall, 51% of respondents plan to increase their marketing budget in 2012, compared to just 8% who expect a decrease. (more…)