Research Finds Consumers Seek Engagement with Brands as Social Networks Become More Influential in the Purchase Process
FREMONT, Calif.—Plimus Inc., the leader in hosted e-Business Digital Commerce solutions, today released the results of a survey on the impact of social media on the online shopping experience. The random at large consumer survey conducted via Facebook and Twitter examined the influence that social networks have on the digital commerce market, and ways in which vendors can leverage these networks to better engage shoppers and increase customer loyalty.
The survey “More ‘Likes’ Can Equal More Dollars for Online Vendors” found:
- 85 percent of survey participants visit social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn daily
- One in three consumers indicated that online vendors could better engage them by incorporating more social media elements into their sites
- More than half of all respondents reported that peer recommendations most influenced the purchases they make online
As the popularity of social networks continues to grow, vendors have the opportunity to capitalize on the social shopping trend by eliciting positive peer recommendations and reviews in order to drive consumers to their sites.
“In today’s digital economy, vendors must enable a fluid transaction process in order to ensure positive feedback on social media channels and build customer loyalty,” said Charlie Born, vice president of marketing at Plimus. “That’s why the Plimus focus has been on simplifying the shopping experience and streamlining the payment process, so that vendors not only will drive new visitors to their sites, but they will keep visitors coming back time and time again.”
The survey “More ‘Likes’ Can Equal More Dollars for Online Vendors” also revealed:
- More than half of survey participants consider an intuitive and simple order page the “ultimate” online experience
- 50 percent of respondents stated that limiting the amount of personal information required to purchase digital goods enhanced their shopping experience
The Forrester Research findings support the idea that today’s shoppers value a complete, immersive experience when it comes to purchasing online content. According to the study, consumers stated that their overall satisfaction lies in the total product experience, not just the content itself. Said Born, “In today’s digital economy, it has become essential for vendors to provide the best customer experience possible and secure positive peer reviews throughout the social Web.”
About Plimus, Inc.
Plimus, Inc., a global e-Commerce solutions provider, builds, and manages online businesses for thousands of software publishers, Web hosting companies, and online retailers of digital goods and services. Plimus offers an easy-to-implement, configurable SaaS e-Business platform that allows companies to grow their e-Commerce business worldwide by marketing, selling and distributing digital goods and services online. More information may be found at www.plimus.com.