The cold chilly air, the busy streets, that happy feeling of peace, love and joy, and the urge to shop can only mean one thing, Christmas is near. Because Christmas is a time of giving, it seems fit to talk about social shopping. What exactly is it? Social Media Today’s Steve King defines it as a “form of social media and networking where consumers and/or retailers aggregate and share information about products, prices and deals.” It is not just about online shopping, but also the ability to choose which store and which product you want before even venturing out into the mall.
Retailers have acknowledged the importance of social media marketing in their business ventures since an increase of up to 11% in web sales was seen from 2009 to 2010. This is still a growing trend because social media has allowed consumers to research purchases and share shopping experiences online which in turn influenced buyers without too much effort from the brands themselves.
Other than online stores who have popped up on Facebook and how Multiply has transformed into an online shopping venue, keeping it alive, some retailers have dived into social networking just like Gucci with their own Facebook page. Other retailers have come up with creative online campaigns like Starbucks Coffee’s My Starbucks Idea where customer generated suggestions were implemented. All of these were in an effort to draw customers and drive awareness and desires about their products. Consumers are also attracted by the fact that it is easier for them to reach out to various brands via online customer service on social tools like Facbook and Twitter.
Private sale sites like Groupon and Ensogo have also reinforced social shopping. Subcribers get daily e-mails about products from various businesses with discounted prices. Tablets have also contributed to this trend, as a recent study on Mashable showed that 87% of tablet owners are “tapping their way to the checkout cart on shopping sites.” According to the same article, tablet shopping isn’t expected to stop after Christmas since 49% of tablet owners plan to do more shopping this way from now on.
Consumers will continue to stay online and the transformation of social networking sites into online shopping venues, the popularity of private sale sites, and the increase of tablet users all point to how it would be easier for businesses to reach consumers. Social media websites have also helped this cause through Facebook pages, LinkedIn Company Pages, Google+ Brand Pages and Twitter’s new Ad Platform. Through proper use of these venues, both online and offline shoppers will be encouraged to visit your store.
The following are tips on how to engage the consumers as soon as you’ve established yourself online:
Cultivate Relationships. Through the use of social media, retailers can now connect with new and regular customers. Make use of these websites to answer questions, respond immediately to customer service issues, and maintain a good rapport with your customers.
Come up with special offers. Catch the attention of online consumers through quality products at affordable prices. Regular offers encourage frequent visits at your site and allow more consumers to take notice of your products
Be Creative. Don’t just settle with having an ordinary page online or setting up offers, come up with engaging social media campaigns that keep the consumers glued to your site, increasing their interest will increase your revenue.
Need help on using social media for your business; reach us through Moonlight Marketing’s Official Website.
Sources:
http://socialmediatoday.com/vanessa-dimauro/296046/future-social-shopping
http://socialmediatoday.com/steveking1/104598/quick-social-shopping-overview
http://mashable.com/2011/12/08/tablets-to-holiday-shop/
http://www.fulltraffic.net/blog/84487/cool-tips-to-get-started-with-social-shopping/
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