This is according to research conducted by Performics and ROI Research, which found that web users are willing to engage with and purchase goods and services from brands which advertise via social media.

 

Of 3,000 people polled for the study, 34 per cent had searched online for a product after seeing an advertisement on a social networking portal.

 

In addition, 30 per cent had learned about a new product, brand or service from such sites.

 

Nearly a third (28 per cent) reported that messages about sales or promotional deals resonated with them, while 32 per cent agreed that messages about printable coupons had the same effect.

 

Responding to the statistics, Michael Kahn of Performics said: "Social networks are creating a monumental shift in how people communicate with each other and with brands."

 

"The results of this study can help marketers better understand where and how consumers interact with social media sites."

 

Recently, eMarketer analyst Jeffrey Grau advised retailers with a web presence to focus their attention on promoting their brands and products through social media networks.