Surprise? Facebook and Twitter Increase Odds for Sales

 

March21, 2010

New research confirms what might be obvious. Products with a presence on Facebook and Twitter are favored by users of those social media, according to a published report in WebProNews. The study, by Chadwick Martin Bailey and iModerate Research Technologies, indicates marketers benefit in word-of-mouth and direct sales.

WebProNews eporter Mike Sachoff wrote that 79 percent of tweeters and 60 percent of Facebook users recommend such brands to their friends.

Sixty-seven percent of tweeters and 51 percent of Facebook enthusiasts are predisposed to buying the products themselves.

Another conclusion: If a brand is not promoted on the two social mediums it is viewed in a negative light by users as not being contemporary.

And there were other interesting numbers, according to WebProNews, the 1500 respondents were asked: “What does it say about a brand if they are not involved with sites like Facebook or Twitter?”

The reporter listed these results:

• “It’s expected that a company have some digital face – whether it’s on FB or Twitter I don’t know – but they need a strong electronic presence or you doubt their relevance in today’s marketplace.” (Females 50-54)
• “Either they are not interested in the demographic that frequents Facebook and Twitter or they are unaware of the opportunity to get more exposure in a more interactive method.” (Males 35-39)
•  ”It shows they are not really with it or in tune with the new ways to communicate with customers.” (Females 18-24)
• “If they’re not on Facebook or Twitter, then they aren’t in touch with the ‘electronic’ people.”  (Females 55-59)

My Biz Coach conclusions: in terms of cost-effectiveness, there’s an obvious upside for businesses to use Twitter and Facebook. With the exception of the cost of advertising on Facebook, it only takes time to create messages on both of them.

But for the more sopisticated palate, my sense is Facebook will be more influential and will outlast Twitter as a trend. Here’s confirmation: Compared to Google, Facebook Users Favor Online News Sites.

From the Coach’s Corner, here are three other related Biz Coach topics:

1. Achieving Strong Results on Google Now Easier with Social Networking
2. Facebook Clips Google – Is Google’s Bloom Falling off the Rose?
3. E-Mail Marketers Plan to Greatly Increase Use of Videos, New Study