One-third of social media users provide feedback on companies over social networks
Published June 30, 2010
While many consumers use social networking sites to keep in touch with their friends and family, a recent survey conducted by Harris Poll Online indicates that some access them for other reasons.
One such reason includes using the emerging platform as a medium to convey their feelings about a brand or company, relays AdWeek. According to the poll, 23 percent of respondents use social media to express their satisfaction with products or organizations they like.
Further, these users are looking to influence friends or family. Harris Poll also reported that 38 percent of the respondents aim to affect others' opinions when they speak openly on social networking sites. According to the survey, 71 percent of social media users took these comments to heart, indicating that product reviews from friends or family influenced purchase decisions a great deal.
These survey results underscore the importance of engaging consumers through social platforms. Social media marketing will continue to be important in 2010 as the number of social networking site users grows. According to Nielsen, Twitter and Facebook are the two fastest-growing social platforms.