Don’t believe the hype – social media isn’t just for Best Buy and Zappos. Industrial firms are embracing social media as a valuable tool to connect with customers, prospects, and fans of the brand. Here’s a sneak peak at the results of the MAPI Marketing Council’s annual State of B2B Social Media study, highlighting the four social media sites that are giving manufacturers the biggest bang for our buck:

YouTube – 90% of B2B manufacturers surveyed are using YouTube for things like product training and thought leadership. Every single respondent rated YouTube as being effective for branding and awareness.

LinkedIn – 81% of respondents’ companies have a LinkedIn group, and another 12% plan to set one up in 6 months. Members haven’t found LinkedIn very helpful for building awareness, but it’s a great tool for recruiting talent, and for professional networking.

Facebook – 79% of respondents have a Facebook fan page. Component suppliers farther back in the supply chain tend to struggle with justifying the ROI of Facebook, but companies at the other end of the spectrum find it a great tool to engage the end-user.

Twitter – Used by 73% of respondents, this is the site that most CEOs (and legal departments) have an issue with.

One challenge we hear regularly from members is how to integrate social media with their broader marketing efforts. Click below for a webinar replay of Caterpillar’s best-in-class approach.