8.3. Benefits Gleaned From Social Media
Despite not being a direct sales channel, social media can support ecommerce in the following ways.
8.3.1. Promote brand awareness. One of the chief benefits social media provides is its ability to help retailers build brand awareness. A survey conducted by online marketing tools vendor Wish pond found that 89 percent of respondents said social media marketing generated more business exposure.
Due to its viral nature and ability to quickly and easily spread a message, brands that commit to regular posting of relevant content on social sites grow their base of fans and followers, and have ongoing interaction with them should, over time, expect to see an uptick in awareness.
8.3.2. Help overcome customer reluctance to purchase. While customers still express some degree of confidence in advertising messages, which pales in comparison to their reliance on word of mouth, especially when it comes from trusted sources such as family and friends. According the most recent Nielsen Trust in Advertising report, 84 percent of those surveyed said word of mouth was the most influential factor when deciding on a purchase. Consumer opinions posted online ranked third at 68 percent. If “trust” is a potent factor in convincing consumers to purchase a product through its focus on building relationships and fostering interaction, social media can serve as a channel to help consumers overcome their reluctance.