Social network marketing opportunities grow

23rd November 2011

Social network marketing is enjoying increased success, the latest research suggests.

A study completed by eDigitalResearch and IMRG has found that 12% of people who use Facebook have been encouraged to purchase goods from a retailer after seeing something on the site.

This marks an 8.8% climb in this kind of commerce in the space of four months, as more retailers have begun to realise the potential of Facebook.

The results showed that a quarter of online consumers tend to log on to the social network site numerous times a day, presenting firms with a huge opportunity to reach a substantial proportion of shoppers.

Almost all of those asked (97%) also revealed that they are planning to complete at least some of their Christmas shopping online this year.

Derek Eccleston, research director at eDigitalResearch, said_ "We've been tracking the growth of smartphones and tablet devices over the past two years and these results show that this will possibly be the first year that Christmas shoppers will be using their social media accounts, smartphones, laptops and tablet devices to buy gifts."

Following on from a series of Facebook developments this year, more retailers have decided to use the site as a platform to communicate with customers.

Many are now using check-ins and Facebook deals to provide localised information and offers to people.

Copyright Press Association 2011

Category: Media, Marketing & PR