Social Networks Playing Larger Role in Shopping
This shouldn’t come as a huge surprise if you already use more than one social network, but in reality people are constantly sharing their opinions on things they buy – or might buy – courtesy of various websites.
It’s becoming increasingly popular among shoppers to discuss recent purchases. If you are thinking of buying a particular item – whether it’s a DVD or a cleaning product – you might just go online and ask for opinions on that item before you part with your hard-earned cash. This seems to be happening more and more, as is the notion of going online and discussing a recent product once you have actually bought it and tried it out.
This looks to be the next step in social commerce as we go through 2011. Sites like Facebook are looking for ways in which they can monetize the items of discussion that abound the website. Twitter is already looking at Sponsored Tweets and how they can interact with tweeters on the site. It is certain that we shall see more of this in the future, as social networks become even more active in influencing people’s opinions and what they purchase.
This is where the social aspect comes in – it’s not just about researching things before you buy them, but sharing your own individual experience; something which looks set to grow throughout 2011.
