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If it’s not on social media, did it really happen?
That’s a sentiment with interesting brand implications as online sharing permeates daily life for many Americans. It’s become commonplace to share major life events on social media—graduations, engagement announcements, births, anniversaries and so on.
According to Sprout Social’s recent “Moments & Milestones: UGC, Brands & Emotional Touchpoints onSocial” study, 79 percent of consumers have shared a life milestone on a social platform.
Of interest to communicators is how brands, both local and national, are becoming tied to these shared moments.
Users tag brands in their big moments.
There’s the clothing brand you choose for your first homecoming dance, the venue and cadre of vendors chosen for a wedding reception or the brand of watch that’s gifted to a top-performing salesperson. When the people celebrating these milestones post about it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat or Pinterest, it’s likely that they will mention or even tag the brand.
Just how common is the practice?
Half of the consumers surveyed told Sprout Social that they would include a brand in their milestone post to make a recommendation.
Social media is also a source of inspiration for milestone-related purchases. 48 percent of consumers made a purchase for a milestone after seeing it on their feeds.
When it comes to seeking out recommendations, consumers are most likely to turn to Facebook (51 percent), followed