Many recent studies have revealed that small businesses are using social media to connect with potential and existing customers and promote products and services, potentially resulting in increased sales.

According to a WSET News report, many small businesses in Lynchburg, Virginia, have created accounts on social media websites like Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin, while others have turned to blogging to increase their online presence.

One local coffee shop owner provides customers with coupons, giveaways, loyalty rewards and daily information through the shop's Facebook page, which has been in operation for four years, the report said.

"As a coffee shop, you strive to be that place - the place people go to hang out," business owner Rebecca Skeen told the source. "When people know what our soup is today, we sell more soup."

Josh Quintero, vice president of Blair Media, told the source that marketing strategies for small businesses must include a social media plan, and interacting with customers is more important than simply listing information and upcoming specials.

According to a recent eWeek survey, 81 percent of small businesses used social media during the second half of last year.