Public Relations & Social Marketing Insight

Social Media - In the early days of social media, users interacted like real people do. However, in time, social networks evolved into pits of broadcast messages. Here's how companies lost their way ...

How Does Social Media Impact Shopping? Did you know that 81 percent of shoppers say that posts from their friends on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook directly impacted their purchasing decisions?

Moreover, 30 percent of social media shoppers respond better to brand offers when they have been reposted by a friend, and almost two-in-five moms (38 percent) are more likely to purchase from brands they “Like” on Facebook than other women. Social media has revolutionised many industries, and it’s greatest impact has perhaps been on the world of online commerce.

There’s still room for improvement, however, with competitive pricing, the ability to purchase online and delivery speed cited as the most important factors that determine a customer’s decision to purchase, with advice received via social media sites impacting just 18 percent of transactions....

By now, if social media isn't a critical element in your online marketing strategy, it should be. Having a presence on sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn can add value to your product, to customer service and ultimately to your brand. But simply having an account and broadcasting company news isn't enough.

To attract and keep customers -- and to build a strong brand online -- business owners need to be active on social media. They have to provide valuable information and engage with their followers. Here are four things businesses should be doing on social media in order to grow the brand online...