Social media impacts us on a daily basis in ways we probably haven’t even realised yet, and in ways we have already, which is how endorsement companies are cashing in on the mass buying mentality that’s so prevalent right now. Back in the day, after Tom Cruise wore a pair of Ray Bans in Ricky Business, their sales reportedly sky rocketed from 18 000 units a year to 260 000. Take that same effect and add the staggering reach of social media, and you’ve got a product launching pad that’s equivalent to a rocket launcher on steroids.
Paris Hilton has almost two million followers on Twitter – if she Tweets about a particular shoe she likes, the sales are almost guaranteed to spike. Many shelters have had Chihuahua influxes over the years because so many people went out and bought the mini critters in the wake of her proclamation of love for them, then got rid of them when the novelty wore off. The fact is, celebrities are signing up with endorsement companies and raking in bundles of cash just for typing a sentence about a shoe, or a salad from a restaurant…and we’re buying into the idea perfectly.
Anyone can follow Snooki as she rants about her drunken mates in the Jersey Shore house but between that, you may find her talking about flash drives that contain adult content – an endorsement deal she’s currently involved in – which means sales are set to soar. And she’s not the only one – Lindsay Lohan, Snoop Dog, Charlie Sheen, Mariah Carey and more are all on the social media endorsement bandwagon.
Studies have shown that various social media platforms are rapidly becoming the first place shoppers go when they want advice on a brand, often trusting the first impression they get on Facebook or Twitter over anything else. It’s been said that 40 percent of consumers won’t even make a purchase until they’ve looked at an online review first, proving more and more how the internet is shaping the way we shop. The value of a social media endorsement has become the new way to create brand loyalty and most shoppers include social media at some point during their shopping process – which means it’s now one of the most vital tools a brand can consider when planning a campaign.
Gone are the days when you’d go and buy a dress and have to wait to show your friends to get an opinion – your trusted friends, celebrities and icons are simply a click away. This means you can access their recommendations and opinions any time of the day or night – and never have to shop alone again.
This is a guest post by Jacky Letard who has a passion for writing and art. During the day she works as a copywriter. Read some of her latest articles on gifts and flying lessons.
I cannot agree more, whether it is a car, electronics or clothing. We all want to have what other people approve of. This is why many people have to ask friends online or any other people online what is in and what is not. Who would not want to wear or to have what a celebrity has identified with? The answer is almost no one so I agree that they really influence what most people buy.
They are seriously Stealing the market for every one as a SEO i am also facing many problems of this Social Media Network Monopoly!
This is a very helpful information. My view about this is that most people want to inquire about something they want to buy, they ask for review or experience on those people who have already bought it. So the easiest way to ask is through social media specially facebook.
Social media is the most powerful tool today, when it comes to endorsing any product or service. This is really the trend we can see for another decade or more, unless there’s a better medium to replace it.
Great Article Written =)
It is not surprising how the power of social media influences us. Being in social media means you have to be transparent to everyone. Social media is about interacting with different people whether promoting a product or branding. I so agree with this put up. Through the use of social media, once a popular person posted such kind of product or brand, followers will greatly observe and get crazy looking for that same product, it goes viral. That’s how the power of social media works.
Thanks Andreas for your comment. I liked the way you explained it.
Social media is definitely going to change the way we are going to buy, for ex: if we are going to buy some product, when some of our friend also recommended the same product then buy eager will boot a lot. I definitely give preference what our friends review about the product instead of reading reviews on the net.
Thats correct. We get pretty much influenced by our friends and always want to have similar gadgets like our friends for that matter.
It is amazing how these famous people can influence our buying behavior. I agree on the power of social media as well. I don’t remember a time that I don’t see a friend sharing a video in facebook. Almost everybody wants something to share and I am always glad to view their recommendations.
Thats right Edward. Today everybody likes sharing their videos, photos or links with their friends and yeah infact social media has become very very popular among all of us. Thanks for your comment.