There is no better tool now available to small businesses than B2B online marketing. Given the prevalence of industry-specific websites, Facebook and Twitter, as well as a variety of email programs and services, small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) can create and implement comprehensive and effective B2B online marketing strategies at minimal cost.

Thousands of SMEs have taken the social media plunge – many have hired consultants to help them build and execute their B2B online marketing strategies. According to a recent report from AMR International, B2B online marketing was worth $3 billion in 2009 and should grow at an annual compound rate of 12%.

Social media spending is forecast to rise the most dramatically during the next three years, with a 21% compound annual growth rate. Other individual B2B marketing sectors with predicted growth rates higher than the overall rate of 12% include lead generation websites (17%) and online marketing services (15%).

Annual growth in US B2B online marketing spending is forecast at 8% in 2010 and is set to reach 14% by 2012.

According to a study from King Fish Media, Hubspot and Junta 42, three-quarters (72%) of companies currently have a social media marketing strategy. Of the 27% without a social media marketing strategy (1% were undecided), 80% plan to have one within the next 12 months. Only 11% of companies without a strategy don’t plan to implement one in the next 12 months, with 9% undecided.

So what have you decided for your small business? If you’re looking for one of the best, most cost-effective ways to use B2B online marketing to reach a global audience, ExpoGlobalOnline.com is an innovative new business service that leverages the power and reach of the Internet to deliver simple, cost-effective information and virtual exhibition solutions to the international business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) communities.

ExpoGlobalOnline.com has combined a global business information directory with a virtual exhibition centre, providing users with a cutting-edge, B2B online marketing platform. The site’s unique interactive environment supports more than 180 interconnected national trade showcases, each presented as a comprehensive business information source and virtual trade exhibition. For more information, please visit www.expoglobalonline.com.