A survey of more than 750 consumers has concluded that 80% of people are making decisions by using online social media. Although conducted in the Emirates, it is likely that views will be comparable elsewhere.
Most people stated that they would look to online reviews before purchasing a product. Either that or they would visit online websites. Or both.
We are now starting to see real data behind possible trends. This has only one outcome: be part of it if you are looking for your company or business to flourish or even survive.
Look at your own activity. Only last week I was reviewing online garden centers, hotels, cameras and transport links before I made a decision. With my iPhone it is even more likely I will trust online providers who interact through social media.
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If you have been to the Emirates you would know they are as alike to America as plastic is to soil. To use this headline emphasizes the way social media distorts the truth. I think in the end it will be killed by folks like you who use it with no discretion. There are no trained journalists, just a bunch of people who think their words are important, and a bunch of lonely kids who see the world from a 2″ screen. SAD.
I never mentioned America. Consumers are worldwide and it is unwise to use just one country as your comparison.
Having said that, there is ample evidence that this is true in most open markets. Even in 2008 up to 70% of consumers visited social media websites to inform their buying decisions (49% review sites and 44% wikis as well). Furthermore, these people are very likely to pass information to others which they, in turn, use for their decision making.
Statistics do bear out the fact that more and more people are using social media tools to evaluate products and services BEFORE purchasing, there can be no denying there. Just on a personal level, I’ve been doing this for years. Businesses that fail to recognize this and become a part of the social media landscape are setting themselves up for being left behind.
To be successful, you have to be where the people are.
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