17 Dec Reviews and Social Media – the New Gift Guides?

Instead of making a list and checking it twice… guess what holiday shoppers are doing this year. Checking their list against social media content—especially reviews, which they trust to help them make the best decisions about what to buy for friends and family members this season.

A recent study revealed that reviews were the primary way Internet users would be using social media this holiday season for gift ideas. Additionally shoppers will use social networking to find discounts and sales and even research gift ideas in general for recipients on their lists.

Research from mobile ad network Greystripe found that mobile shoppers were more savvy than in-store shoppers equipped with a mobile phone to write reviews, at 49% vs. 31%. Reviews are not only key, but critical to gaining trust among consumers, who are more likely to believe their peers than retailers pushing products.

Do you use reviews prior to purchasing item? Do you ask your Facebook and Twitter audiences or solely rely on a trusted review site? Share your thoughts by commenting below or posting to our Facebook page!