A THELWALL businesswoman was one of many across the country to play her part in a national campaign in place to support micro-businesses last Friday.

Northwich-based personal assistant firm Pink Spaghetti, which is co-owned by Vicky Matthews, celebrated #MicroBizMattersDay along with other companies across the country.

The initiative urged organisations to offer eight minutes of their time to micro-businesses.

To mark the day and highlight the issues faced by some, Pink Spaghetti carried out research and surveyed its own clients.

It has found social media to be the area in particular where businesses struggle.

"In an ever-increasingly digital world, the internet plays a vital role in consumer behaviour," said a company spokesman.

"In fact, a recent study by Silentnight found that people on average spent more time on their smart phones per day than they did sleeping.

"Much of this is spent on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

"Another survey by Social Media Today revealed that 71 per cent of social media users are more likely to purchase products from brands that they are connected with on social media websites and a similar study by Hub Spot revealed that social media produces almost double the marketing leads than any other marketing method."

The Pink Spaghetti survey asked clients if they used social media as part of their online marketing strategy.

It revealed almost 40 per cent 'tried to do a little' but struggled for time and 70 per cent said they found it hard to find time to keep up to date with changes and trends.

Nearly 50 per cent also found it difficult to find time to 'engage with and reply' to their audience.

Pink Spaghetti carries out tasks including social media, research and book keeping on a pay as you go basis.

For further information visit pink-spaghetti.co.uk