Like most people, you have probably come across a product recommendation or ad on platforms like TikTok or Facebook and decided to purchase something because of it!
Many of us now find ourselves making impulse purchases based on the social media content we see. This could be a friend’s post, a celebrity or influencer endorsement, or a TikTok trend. Let’s look at how social media is reshaping consumer buying decisions and what you can do as a brand in this regard.
Reduced Customer Journey
The customer journey is now faster than ever, all thanks to social media! Consumers are making purchases almost instantly after they see a product on their feed.
According to a report by Deloitte, 29% of social media users make a purchase the same day they see a product online. No more days of waiting for the weekend to visit the store- social media has sped up this process.
As a brand, if you, too, are looking to grow your audience to boost visibility and, eventually, sales, buying TikTok followers or views can help boost your engagement and enable you to reach target customers quickly.
The Impact of Social Proof
Social Proof is highly important if you are trying to make your mark on social media! People are more inclined to buy something if they see others using or recommending it. It can be through a review or a post from a friend, and people generally trust what others say.
You may also find many people actively asking for product recommendations on social media. This creates an opportunity for you to interact directly with your audience as a brand.
You can encourage reviews and even repost positive feedback to leverage the social proof. Doing so will enable you to establish trust and credibility as a reputed seller, thereby driving more sales and profitability.
If you are aiming for even stronger social media, explore a growth service like tiktokstorm to acquire TikTok followers, boost your brand’s visibility, and establish credibility.
The Role of Social Media Influencers
Like it or not, influencers hold considerable sway over purchasing decisions; these individuals have built a loyal following based on trust and authenticity, and their followers follow their lead to make purchase decisions.
A study by Influencer Marketing Hub found that the influencer marketing industry was predicted to grow to around $24 billion by the end of 2024, increasing from over $21 billion in 2023. The same report revealed that TikTok has become the most popular channel for influencer marketing, with 68.8% of brands using it.
As a brand, you can leverage the rising trend of influencer marketing by partnering with an influencer who you deem a good fit for your brand and values.
If you want an added boost to your presence, you can also consider getting more views or likes and enhancing your engagement from a third-party growth service.
Real-time Engagement with Customers
Social media has greatly changed how brands do customer service!
Consumers now expect quick responses, and as a brand, you can provide real-time support, too. This immediate engagement can help you build loyalty and address customer concerns quickly as well.
Another way to drive quick purchasing decisions is to offer exclusive discounts or flash sales through your social media. Limited-time offers help create a sense of urgency and encourage customers to act fast.
The Impact of User-Generated Content
On social media, user-generated content is more trusted than conventional advertising!
Consumers trust and value real experiences from other buyers and make their purchase decisions accordingly. Encourage your customers to share their stories or reviews on social media. This will help influence others’ purchasing decisions too.
When you promote user-generated content, you can increase your credibility and show that your products or services are trusted by real people.
Using Different Social Media Platforms to Drive Sales
As you know, social media platforms vary in terms of their dynamics and features. For instance, while Facebook is widely preferred by the older generation, younger users prefer platforms like Instagram or TikTok for quick and short-form content format.
Depending on the platform where your target audience is most active, you must design your marketing strategy accordingly. The key is to create authentic and engaging content and use hashtags to reach a larger and more targeted audience.
Final Thoughts
Social media has changed the way we make buying decisions. Be it the speed of our purchases, the influence of social proof, or influencers, social media has greatly affected our consumer habits.
If you are also trying to boost your sales, it is important to understand your target audience’s social media usage and purchase behavior and design your marketing strategy accordingly.
