Bloggers are changing the way people make their buying decisions.
Do you agree with that statement? I have noticed a shift in the way I make my purchasing decisions.
For instance, I watch some commercials on TV and I am intrigued by the products. (I really want the new Samsung washer and dryer set with the “Noise Reduction Technology”!) But, if I am going to buy something, the first thing I do is look for blogs and product reviews that talk about the item I want to buy.
And yes, most are “mommy blogs”.
While most of us who are moms and blog don’t really like that term, it’s one that’s widely understood. Part of that understanding comes from our connection with each other. We may have never of met, or will never meet in person, but we inherently want to help each other. From one mom to another, here’s some advice. I listen to that advice carefully because someone like me is using a product or service I need and I want to know what they think about it. I used to rely heavily on Consumer Reports before making big purchases. Not so much anymore. While I still take a look at the recommendations, I read reviews to ultimately make my decision.
Why is that? Do bloggers really have that much more authority than Consumer Reports?
Well maybe not technically, but personally they do. See, when I am going to buy something, I want an honest look at the product. I want to know from someone who purchased it, why they like it, or don’t. What has their experience been with the product and customer service? Would they buy it again?
I know quite a few bloggers have received free product in exchange for their honest review. I still read those too because in most cases, the bloggers have established their credibility and they are not going to give an item a good review just because they got it for free. Most bloggers want to help others make good buying decisions. They know that their followers trust them and their opinion, so they work hard at keeping their credibility.
Some companies have really embraced the value of bloggers’ opinions and have reached out to them to help spread the word about their products. I have seen some great partnerships with bloggers and brands from large companies like Frigidare and Hoover, to new or small companies that are just starting out. Reviews and giveaways are a great way to get the word out about a product and generate some interest. I’ve even posted a few of my giveaway “scores” on this blog. I’ve even posted some product reviews to try and help someone else.
I know I am not the only one who has noticed a change in the way consumers make their purchasing decisions. The Importance of Connecting Brands with Bloggers is a whitepaper written by Susan Payton, Managing Partner of Egg Marketing. The whitepaper details the influence of bloggers with case studies and success stories. It is a quick and interesting read.
What do you think? Do you read reviews? Has it changed the way you make your buying decisions?
I’d love to hear what you think! Please post your comments below. If you have your own blog and want to post your own experience please come back and leave a comment with the link to your post so we can read it. You can share this whitepaper with others on your blog, Facebook, MySpace, etc. with the following link: http://eggmarketingpr.com/whitepapers.htm .
I can’t wait to hear what you think!
