Ipsos News and Polls

Socialogue: Think Small

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:00:30 GMT

Global - No matter where we are, we're always connected, with each of us using an average of 2.3 devices. So, when it comes to our technology products, small and portable is what we like. While most of us use mobile phones (82%), laptops, used by two-thirds (66%), have surpassed the standard desktop computer (60%). And, 17% of us are already using tablets. Given the multiplicity of devices in use, it becomes increasingly important for brands to have an online presence that is optimized for computers, tablets and mobile phones, alike. Once upon a time, that would have been considered thinking big. Today, it’s just thinking smart.

Socialogue: Share and Share Alike? Not Exactly.

Tue, 14 May 2013 06:00:30 GMT

Global - With the "like" and "share" symbols in front of us at every click and with the ability to comment or start a flow of conversation as easy as flipping a light switch, it's not surprising that just over eight in ten of us share some part of our lives online. Interestingly, nearly 25% claim they don't hold back and share most things or everything online. No filter. No privacy. This outspoken segment is balanced somewhat by the 19% who say they share nothing online. Every age demographic, from those younger than 35 (87%) to those older than 50 (72%), shares something. Some may feel that people are sharing too much information (TMI), but the more consumers share, the more opportunity a brand has to learn a lot about consumers and use what they learn to create messaging that is more likely to get liked, shared and re-posted. Bet you "like" that!

Socialogue: EXPRESSIONISM

Tue, 07 May 2013 06:00:30 GMT

Global - In the early years of the 20th century, expressionism was all about art coming forth from within an artist, rather than a depiction of the external visual world. In the early 21st century, there is a new kind of expressionism, also coming forth from within its creator. This time, the canvas is the Internet, with 24% of us expressing ourselves by starting conversations or writing original ideas on social media pages and other online sites. Marketers, if you were to create a forum for expression on your site similar to social media pages, you might find people spending more time there. And, if you acknowledge consumer posts with your own original responses, perhaps consumers will express favorable thoughts about your brand.

Socialogue: Are Your Online Shares Rising? Keep Investing!

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 06:00:30 GMT

Global - As children, we were told “You have to learn to share.” While no one has to share on social media and other online sites, 36% share links to articles, videos and other information. Some of these shares can be an asset or a liability for marketers. Suffer a recall or make a false claim and the error can go viral in minutes. Post something funny, wise, timely or surprising and you can, again in minutes, have social ambassadors giving your name broader positive exposure. Whether you need a forum to announce a product, make an apology or invite responses, social media is an investment that can help your shares, literally and figuratively, add value.

Socialogue: In My Opinion, What You Said Is

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 06:00:30 GMT

Global - On social media and other sites, those who post content have no “mind-your-own-business” rights. No “keep-your-opinion-to-yourself” rights. If you post online, your content can trigger comments from those who follow you. So, a brands’ online posts should be provocative, evocative, relevant, funny and current. When your posts and content trigger a response from those who follow you, they will come back. And, if you respond to their posts on your posts, they’ll feel even more connected. Bottom line: you do not want your followers to keep their opinions to themselves.

Socialogue: So, How Do You Like That?

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 06:00:30 GMT

Global - Clearly, there’s a lot of digital liking and sharing going on: 45% of us do it. We share things we think are hilarious or moving or important. We share things to align ourselves with schools of thought, entertain our friends, provide information about brands or products. We share content and repost posts when we feel proud by association. So, marketers, how do you like this? The more you know about your followers, the better able you will be to create content that resonates with them. And, the more attractive your posts to your key audience, the more likely they are to be followed and shared. So take note: Like attracts “like.”

Socialogue: Ever Feel Like You're Being Followed? That Can Be a Very Good Thing

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 06:00:30 GMT

Global - Brands that develop a social networking following stand a very good chance of having consumers buy their products. Overall, 42% of people say they are more favorably disposed toward purchasing a brand they follow or engage with online. A very strong 53% of those under the age of 35 echo that sentiment, while there is agreement among a somewhat lower, but still healthy, 38% of those 35-49 and 26% of those 50+. Marketers, go ahead. . . look over your shoulder. The more customers and prospects you get to follow you online, the better you’ll feel about your bottom line.

Socialogue: The A-list - How to Keep Online Followers Connected

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 06:00:30 GMT

Global - ABCs aside, several actions have been identified to keep those who follow your brand online connected and coming back to your site or social networking pages. Here’s what people say motivates them:

Socialogue: R.S.V.P

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 06:00:30 GMT

Global - “Did you hear what I said?” It’s a question people ask every day. Most of us want a response, an acknowledgement or some signal assuring us we have been heard. The power of a response from a brand to a consumer is strong, with 28% of those who follow a brand on its social networking page feeling an acknowledgement from the brand to the comments or links they post makes them feel more connected to that brand. While there are other tactics – e.g., contests, discounts, free products – that have a more profound effect on how connected consumers feel to brands, active acknowledgement of the links and comments they post on your social networking page will help keep them coming to your “party.”

Socialogue: Get the Message?

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 06:00:30 GMT

Global - When you send an email or message to a family member, friend or business colleague, you expect a response. If you don’t get one, you can always send out a “Did you get my message?” email. When people send a message to a brand, whether they actually expect a response from the brand or are delighted by the surprise of one, 30% of online brand followers say that email responses help them stay connected to the brand. Marketers, get the message?