{"id":13101,"date":"2017-08-31T00:49:28","date_gmt":"2017-08-31T00:49:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rivaliq.com\/?p=13101"},"modified":"2017-08-31T17:08:35","modified_gmt":"2017-08-31T17:08:35","slug":"quick-guide-to-social-shopping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rivaliq.com\/blog\/quick-guide-to-social-shopping\/","title":{"rendered":"Social Media E-commerce: A Quick Guide to Social Shopping"},"content":{"rendered":"

30% of online shoppers say they would be likely to make a purchase from a social media network like Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter or Snapchat (BigCommerce<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Social Shopping is the New Norm<\/h2>\n

Social media has changed many aspects of our lives. It should come as no surprise that it has reached into the world of shopping. Social shopping is the combination of social media and e-commerce. <\/span><\/p>\n

It includes sites like Groupon and LivingSocial, where people are encouraged to purchase as a group to collectively save money. Other forms of social shopping include Poshmark, Etsy, Envato, and Opensky to name a few.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The power of e-commerce community<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

These platforms have communities of shoppers and influencers, who share, discuss, and at times curate the types of items\/services available for purchase. Shoppers can ask questions about products, get opinions of others, and ultimately make purchasing decisions. <\/span><\/p>\n

These communities also create an ideal marketplace for shoppers, who can compare prices with the click of a button, bring friends along, and make purchases all without ever having stepped foot in a store. Social shopping aims to replicate the satisfaction of walking into a physical store and shopping for products. <\/span><\/p>\n

Social e-commerce wouldn’t be possible without social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. The shopper can make a purchase, and then immediately share the link to that purchase via social media.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"modern<\/p>\n

Modern day word-of-mouth marketing<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

Social sharing about a purchase immediately connects shoppers to their social networks, making a potentially large impact for the retailer. You can consider this the modern day ‘word-of-mouth’ marketing strategy. <\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, some social shopping sites offer referral incentives for current customers, making the sharing component even more appealing. And while in most cases the social shopping experience can\u2019t satisfy the need for immediate gratification by delivering products right then and there, it can create a feeling of togetherness, community, and validation. <\/span><\/p>\n

A sense of community is something that can be difficult to accomplish in the sometimes isolating and lonely world of the internet. \u00a0It can also capitalize on the shoppers needs to feel affirmed about the purchase, with others helping guide the process from browsing to buying via reviews pre-purchase, and social post engagement post-purchase. <\/span><\/p>\n

Traditional Online Shopping Sites Are Getting in the Game<\/h2>\n

In addition to social shopping sites that were created to be fueled by social media, traditional retailers are also jumping on board. For example, if you purchase something on Amazon, you\u2019re given the option to share what you just purchased on your social media networks. <\/span><\/p>\n

Sharing your latest purchase is becoming the new norm as people are turning more and more to their social network for shopping recommendations, product reviews, and the hottest deals. With the ever-shrinking number of brick and mortar retailers, online shopping and specifically social shopping, are poised to become the standard for everyday purchases.<\/span><\/p>\n

What marketers can do to be involved<\/b><\/h3>\n

Social shopping is advantageous for shoppers, but what about for the brands themselves? Social shoppers can be a lucrative audience for marketers with the right message.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Stitch<\/p>\n

Use a CTA (Call to action)<\/p>\n

One of the most popular forms of promoting brands on social commerce sites is through the use of a \u201cbuy now\u201d button<\/a> as part of a paid social strategy. These buttons can take consumers directly from window shopping to purchasing in a matter of seconds.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Is this where I go when we go on our weekend adventures? ?? . . The secret to great photography with #BufferCommunity member @cnkillingsworth ?<\/a><\/p>\n

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