Consumer Shift

In today’s digital age, social media has become an indispensable part of our lives.

Not only do these platforms connect people around the world, but they also provide incredible opportunities for businesses to reach and engage with their target audiences.

According to Hubspot, in the past three months, 41% of social media users feel comfortable purchasing products through apps like Instagram Shop or Facebook Marketplace. This is compared to the 12% of users in May 2022.

This shift means businesses need to be where the customer is, and ensure that your marketing is taking advantage of this shift in consumer behaviour.

To help you make the most of this opportunity, here are some things you can implement within your business: promote your products or services through sponsored posts, stories, or reviews. Encourage your customers to share their experiences and tag your business, amplifying your reach and engagement.

• Optimise your social media profiles: Ensure that your business profiles on platforms like Instagram and Facebook are complete, professional, and showcase your products or services effectively. Use high-quality images, compelling captions, and relevant hashtags to attract your target audience.

• Create engaging and shareable content: Focus on sharing content that builds interest and trust among your followers. Use a variety of media formats, such as photos, videos, and infographics, to capture attention and encourage sharing. Incorporate customer testimonials and user-generated content to increase authenticity and credibility.

• Use social commerce features: Explore the various social commerce features available on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Set up your product catalog, enable in-app shopping, and optimise your posts with product tags and links. Make the purchasing process as seamless as possible for your customers.

• Engage and respond to your audience: Social media is all about building relationships. Take the time to respond to comments, messages, and reviews promptly. Engage with your audience by asking questions, running contests, or hosting live sessions. Show your customers that you value their feedback and opinions.

• Track your results: Regularly monitor the performance of your social media campaigns using analytics tools provided by the platforms or third-party applications. Identify what resonates with your audience, analyze conversion rates, and make datadriven adjustments to optimize your marketing strategy.

By incorporating these steps into your marketing efforts, you can tap into the growing trend of consumers purchasing products through social media apps.

Remember, building interest, trust, and engagement through social media will be key to your success in this evolving landscape.

For more tips on marketing, social media and email marketing, follow me @becalisonau via Instagram or Facebook.