Social media trends are forever changing, so it may be news to you that the latest craze rising in popularity for many businesses is gift-giving via social media.
Only a few years ago, if, for example, a cake shop was struggling to reel in customers, the owner might launch some promotional offers. One of the most effective ways to spread news of such bargains would be handing out leaflets or even vouchers in the nearby area.
However, as most companies are online, they will instead want to grab their target market, wherever they may be.
Take Groupon – a well-known gift-giving website which allows users to log into Facebook to collect vouchers kindly given to them by their friends.
Many gift websites like Groupon are working with Facebook so that promotional vouchers can be sent and received through the social network. With the service now available through numerous mobile apps, it is unsurprising that this is becoming such a popular activity.
But some consumers may be already sceptical of gift-giving websites and applications.
Simon Williams, head of corporate sales at John Lewis, told Marketing Week that the gift-giving process is used as a marketing technique, rather than to drive sales.
He said: “We’ve seen social gifting grow in popularity in the US over the past few years, so we’re keen to see how UK customers respond to the idea. The concept is still in its infancy in this country, so at the moment we see it as another way to drive brand awareness and social engagement, with the potential to be a revenue and footfall driver as customers start to adopt it more widely.”
This may be trend to keep an eye on, as it may become a more prominent marketing technique in the coming years. Until then though, there are endless online marketing campaigns which can be used to raise brand awareness, gather consumer data, strengthen brand trust and ultimately boost sales.
Here at Thread, we have over 20 years’ experience in boosting the market presence of some of the world’s top brands. We take pride in sharing our abilities with a plethora of unique brands – no matter how big or small they may be.
If you would like to hear more about the powers of social media marketing, then why not give us a call today on 0207 226 0099, contact us to find out more or take a look at our work.