Social Media Linked to Improved Brand Sales

Having a social media presence can say a lot about a brand both directly and indirectly and, according to new research, it can considerably improve sales. At a time when Facebook has knocked Google off the top of most visited sites in the US, cultivating a social presence is becoming increasingly vital.

According to research by Chadwick Martin Bailey and iModerate Research Technologies fans of a brand on Facebook and followers on Twitter are more likely to buy directly from them and recommend them to a friend.

The research found that 60% of Facebook fans and 79% of Twitter followers would recommend a brand they were following on the social platforms to friends.

“Social media has a direct impact on sales and positive word of mouth”

What’s more, there is a school of thought that believes brands not engaging in social media are missing out on a growing community that is having a great deal of influence on digital consumer patterns. One respondent to the research replied “they are not really with it or in tune with the new ways to communicate with customers” when asked what it says about a company if they haven’t a social media presence.

Josh Mendelsohn a vice president at Chadwick Martin Bailey said: "While social media is not the silver bullet that some pundits claim it to be, it is an extremely important and relatively low cost touch point that has a direct impact on sales and positive word of mouth."

"Companies not actively engaging are missing a huge opportunity and are saying something to consumers - intentionally or unintentionally- about how willing they are to engage on consumers' terms."