Does Social Media Advertising Actually Change People's Minds?
The ultimate significance of social media to every part of our daily life remains a mystery to most people. We tend to rely on the latest statistics that depict the impact of largest platforms of social networks. For example, it is common knowledge that Facebook has the largest gathering of monthly users.
This translates to the biggest marketing platform online. For those who have attended seminars and workshops related to boosting business sales are probably familiar with the term ‘social media marketing’. In attempting to promote a business, you may have heard how important it is to advertise on social media platforms. Many people who have attempted have not succeeded in achieving their marketing goals. Contrary to this, there are those who claim to have made a fortune thanks to sharing information on social media networks. It is therefore imperative that we consider whether social media advertising really works. Is it really possible to change people’s minds on with social media advertising?
The ability to change people’s mind has been a big issue among philosophers for a long time in history. Psychologists have, for a long time attempted to figure out why it is difficult to change people’s minds even with presentation of facts. They found that since we are social beings desperate for loyalty, contrary or new opinion makes us and instigates resistance.
To find out whether social media changes people’s minds about sale of products, let us explore the fundamentals that make up the networks.
Usage
Frequent research indicates that continuous use of social media is not only unexpectedly high but always rising. Today, at least 22% of the world’s population use Facebook while at least 80% of Millennials check their twitter accounts once everyday. YouTube is used by the widest variety of people and unlimited hours of video content shared monthly. Most social media users utilize more than one platform. The competing firms strive for daily access to users and hence less time is spent on each of the platforms. The spread of usage therefore, reduces the chances of reaching more people in the shortest time.
Huge Investments
Experts suggest that social media advertising is expected to grow to approximately USD 14 billion by the end of 2018. Increased investment in social media advertising indicates that it will be relevant in the near future. It is not a passing thing or trend like some people would presume. Investing on the advertising is therefore, not a waste of resources to business. There is also intensified competition among companies hence the large sums of money.
Brand Loyalty
The primary role of advertising is to achieve brand loyalty. With a myriad of advertisements that we see on a daily basis, it is impossible to remember them. However, interacting with the promotions on social media platforms works more effectively to allow direct contact with the groups. As a result, social media advertisements yield brand loyalty faster than you would do with any traditional means available. Most importantly, the loyalty is wide spread across the globe.
Verdict
A look at the fundamentals of social media platforms performance indicates that it is an effective method of pursuing and convincing people. Although it is a difficult task to change people’s minds, social media has proven amazingly effective in attracting customers to products faster than using traditional styles.
How Social Media Advertising Works
Social media offers a platform for interaction of buyers and sellers. While advertisers benefit from the graphics and huge networks, the influencing aspect is more about reviews from a user’s social circles. Businesses focus on positive reviews of social influencers to woe their friends and colleagues.
Social influencers are people with huge following on social media. Number of likes and following is vital in social media. The more the number the bigger the audience hence higher probability of changing minds. Most of social influencers are celebrities; anything they post turns to a trend in society. A new brand of jeans may not sell irrespective of its quality and affordability without endorsement by a social influencer. While a company can advertise a product and make impressive sales, social media influencers play a significant role in advertising. Social media influencers not only help followers to familiarize with their decisions but also influence purchase decisions. They build confidence in a product, which is everything potential customers online are looking for.
Social media platforms connect friends and family members irrespective of location. Today, social media is an essential tool where every information is shared in form of videos, photos, and written posts. It is the easiest way to share with your social circles what is happening with your life. One can easily share with friends and family of an interesting product they have come across. While a positive review or suggestion from a stranger online may influence purchase decision, more consumers are likely to purchase after a friend’s endorsement.
Online presence is the ultimate tool of turning followers to buyers. Social media platforms allow businesses to create stores where products are posted. Consistent display of products builds confidence in social media users hence influencing their purchase decisions.
Conclusion
Social media platforms present an opportunity for advertisers to interact with users hence aligning customer preferences with business goals, which is crucial in influencing purchase decisions.
