Half of all small businesses now use social media as a way to drive sales and gain new customers.

That from a new report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

High River Chamber of Commerce President Steven Muth says social media is crucial to a businesses success.

"Social media has become the new referral system. It used to be, back in the day you're sitting having a coffee talking to your counterparts saying "Hey, this is a good accountant, or this is my person. Or this is a great store to get this kind of stuff." Now that's done on social media."

Muth says the Chamber is looking to develop a program to help local businesses use social media effectively.