How this holiday shopping season will be more social media based

The holiday shopping season is right around the corner

While many are anticipating sales, and staking their claim on the big bargains on Black Friday; marketing analysts are predicting a different kind of shopping environment: one that’s more social media based.

In the past, social commerce hasn’t played too big of a part in the shopping experience outside of spreading the word about sales, coupons, and who’s selling out of what.

Now, analysts expect to see a shift towards social media based shopping.

There are finally enough active users on various social media platforms, as well as, the technology to support social media shopping. They feel Pinterest and Instagram will lend shoppers the best experience, as both platforms are more visually focused. This will allow shoppers to create wishlists and directly connect with brands offering their hot-ticket items.

One in ten plan to buy through social media

According to Market Track, however, only 9% of US Internet users planned to purchase directly from a social network during this shopping season.

Perhaps, some users are not aware you can purchase things natively in social media, and others may be wary of the process: is it secure? Are there steps in place if you do not receive your goods? How long will it take?

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Half plan to use social in some way this year

Overall, 52% of respondents said they would use social media for holiday shopping in some way, including 36% who planned to look for discounts, 32% who would research gift ideas, and 12% who looked forward to watching product videos.

Majority will use social to research purchases

Interestingly, 74% of users stated they would use social media to research their purchases. Fully 52% of respondents said they would use social media for holiday shopping in some way; including 36% who planned to look for discounts, 32% who would research gift ideas, and 12% who looked forward to watching product videos.

Users seem to know social media can keep them in the loop. So why aren’t more people purchasing from social media? Do you think this holiday shopping season will be different?

#SocialShopping

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