Two words: Social Media. Two words that have taken over our world. Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Snapchat. In 2017, roughly 80% of the US population has a social media profile. Facebook is the most popular platform used for shopping. Instagram comes in second followed by Snapchat, Twitter, and Pinterest. It’s tough to imagine what it was like without Social Media because it plays such a prominent role in our day-to-day living. From connecting with old friends, finding the newest trends, and getting live updates, we retrieve all our content through Social Media platforms. But, now the time has come where users not only use such platforms for content, but also for commerce.
How Social Media Has Impacted Internet Usage:
Millennials and Social Media are a package deal. If you see a Millennial, you should also expect them to have at least one form of Social Media, if not, multiple. In fact, 90% of Millennials have a Social Media account! Although Millennials seem to be the power of Social Media, there are also many younger and older users of Social Media platforms. 52% of adults use one or two Social Media platforms. Overall, it is expected that by 2018 there will be 2.5 billion Social Media users worldwide! To continue to understand numerically how much Social Media affects us, here are some basic facts from eMarketer (according to US digital shoppers):
- 80% use Social Media in general
- 42% follow retailers’ Social Media channels
- 37% say Social Media influences their purchase decisions
- 25% have purchased from Social Media in the past year
Why Should You Implement Digital Commerce In Your Social Media?
The data above is living proof that Social Media users become influenced by what you post, and even purchase things right from a channel. Brick-and-mortar stores in addition to e-commerce are the two ways people have purchased items they want and need. But now, a third way of shopping has begun with the ability to buy off of Social Media.
Implementing digital commerce on your platforms will allow for those users who use Social Media to make a purchase from you. As a result, your business will be more user-friendly and diverse as well as gain more revenue. Make sure your Social Media is shopper-friendly so that your followers can easily shop!
Now you must be asking yourself, “How can I create the option for users to buy off of my Social Media pages?” Well, we have the answer:
MicroD is EXCITED to announce a partnership with Curalate to enhance the digital marketing services we offer to retailers and manufacturers of the home furnishings industry. This partnership will increase the shoppable value of OmniVue® retailer websites. Before Curalate, the connection between your social media channel–namely, Instagram, and your furniture website were sketchy, if at all present. Now, your social media followers can find inspiration on your Instagram and shop the look on your website. It’s never been easier to attract and engage with new customers. From social media to the shopping cart, MicroD has closed the gap and strengthened your digital omnichannel presence.
About Curalate
Curalate is a platform that implements digital commerce into your Social Media. Curalate offers solutions such as On-Site UGC, Shoppable Social, Vertical Video, Actionable Images and Influencers, and Content. MicroD, teamed with Curalate will be able to include a buy option directly onto your Social Media platforms. No matter whether you use Facebook or Instagram, Snapchat or Twitter, MicroD and Curalate are here to help you gain more traffic and satisfaction amongst your customers!