Diversification of Expectations and Buying Behaviours of Internet Users in the Context of Brand Activities in Social Media

Abstract

The growing power and potential of social media is testified by the number of active users. Spending time on social media is one of the most popular things people do on the Internet. Social media has changed the landscape of enterprises functioning on the market. Communication with customers has taken new forms and has created the possibility of relationships. Presented article shows the results of studies on the behaviour of Internet users in social media. Respondents indicate satisfaction with the presence of brands in social media. Users of social media want to chat, search for information and spend time with friends. They are there not for to follow companies. But as companies are present in social media internauts want some interactions with them. At the same time, it appears that the most desirable actions by companies are those associated with benefits for the involved Internet users (discounts, access to exclusive promotions). More than half of the respondents (56%) expect access to special offers and promotions. It is difficult to determine the impact of social media on increased purchases. At the same time one can notice the importance of recommendations and negative comments in social media. 43% of surveyed people confirm that being a fan of a particular brand in social media causes that they recommend a product to friends. And over half of respondents would not buy a product after reading a negative review or comment about it. It cannot be ignored by companies. And although these are only declarations of respondents any company cannot underestimate such statements. Companies need to take care of the reputation and their presence in social media must be a result of a well prepared strategy.