Bing Connects Users To Facebook And Twitter Using New Shopping Feedback Tool
As of May 6th 2010, Microsoft added a button to its Bing search engine enabling users to seek feedback from their friends on Facebook and Twitter.
Whilst many sites offer reviews and product comparisons, everyone is aware of the power and authority of personal referrals. Once users click on ‘view price’ they will be offered the option to share that item and get their friends opinions using Twitter, Facebook and also regular emails.
Social Media Helps Drive Purchases
Research by Payment Provider Sage Pay has indicated that customers accessing an online store via a social media website are 10 times more likely to buy than other users.
The study shows that whereas 7% of all visitors to an online store make a purchase, a significantly higher 71% of visitors initiated via social media will click their way through to the transaction section of the site.
It suggests that social media marketing such as advertising on Facebook is an undervalued tool, as it is seen to be highly effective.
Simon Black managing director at Sage Pay stated that "The modern shopper often looks for reassurance from a positive review, a special offer to make it more affordable, inexpensive delivery options and a quick, easy and secure way to pay."
The study also reveals that despite the findings, just 5% of online marketers polled believed that social media was the most effective communication channel.
Twitter Commences Trending Advertising
Back in April, Twitter declared that it was to begin using promoted tweets to increase the commercial aspect of the site. This allows brands to be highlighted when relevant search criteria is entered.
Now, instead of the old 10 top trending topics there will be 11. The Eleventh will be shown as ‘promoted’ so that users are not deceived about its purpose.
Just like normal trending topics, users can then click on the topic to see what other users are saying about it.
The first company to take advantage of the new service is Disney who have already begun promoting Toy Story 3 in this way.
