The Social Commerce Opportunity: How Brands Can Take Advantage of the Next Evolution in Commerce
Online behavior has shifted. Internet users are spending an increasing majority of their web time on social networks and 
blogs. This gives brands an unprecedented view into consumers’ likes and interests, and the next step in the evolution of social media is about to reach critical mass. Armed with this information, brands are able to present distinct and directed campaigns to these fans, and not only result in sales, but better engagement and increased community.
This shift in online behavior means brands should meet consumers where they spend most of their time online:
- 23% of all time spent online is on social networks and blogs
- 70% of adult social networkers shop online
- Nearly 4 in 5 US adults use social networks
Brands who add social commerce to their social media strategy not only increase revenue, but also increase community growth:
- According to Gartner research by 2015, companies will generate 50% of Web sales via social and mobile
- Booz Allen forecasts people will spend $30 Billion through social commerce by 2015
- Moontoast has found a 68% average lift in community growth as social commerce is introduced
- 42% of consumers have followed a retailer proactively, with the average follower following 6.3 retailers
Brands can reach engaged audiences better than ever before:
- 53% of social networkers follow a brand
- 75% of social networkers are more likely to be heavy spenders on music
- 47% of social networkers are more likely to be heavy spenders on shoes, clothing and accessories.
Brands can present offers better than ever before:
- The right offer to the right person
- Commerce as a reward
- Facebook tab stores
- Facebook news feed stores
- Moontoast found that conversion rates nearly tripled (from 3.4% to 9.4%) as consumers came to expect fan-offers on Facebook
Adoption Through Confidence: Tips to Build Trust in a new Environment
- Repetition: The more a fan sees a post for an offer (from a brand), the more they trust the offer
- User Experience: Allow user to stay on the site they are browsing and create impulse purchase opportunities
- Trusted Payment Methods: Consumers trust known payment methods and security standards such as PayPal
Brands who add social commerce to their social media strategy not only increase revenue, but also increase community growth and will see a 68% average lift as commerce is introduced. Social Commerce will not only help brands to monetize social media efforts, but it will fit in seamlessly with social media strategies and offer new ways to reward people through exciting offers and a better user experience.
Download The Social Commerce Opportunity: How Brands Can Take Advantage of the Next Evolution in Commerce here.
