TikTok is no longer just an entertainment platform – it has become a powerful sales channel. With TikTok Shopping, businesses can sell products directly within the app and reach millions of potential customers. In this guide, we show you how to strategically use TikTok Shopping to increase visibility and boost your sales. What is TikTok …
E-commerce meets entertainment: In episode 9 of the DIMM podcast “Digital Transformation, Innovation & Marketing,” Prof. Dr. Richard C. Geibel, founder of the E-Commerce Institute in Cologne, joins Prof. Dr. Michael Bernecker to discuss the disruptive rise of commerce via social media. What was once merely a branding tool is now becoming a powerful sales …
Social commerce – the integration of e-commerce and social media – has moved far beyond trend status. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest have evolved into fully functional marketplaces, where users discover, engage with, and purchase products without ever leaving the app. This blog post summarizes key insights from Sebastian Arend’s research, conducted at the …
Social commerce is more than just a trend – it’s fundamentally changing the way we shop. With the launch of the TikTok Shop in Germany, this topic has gained even more urgency. The ZDF WISO program explored this development and invited me to share insights on the opportunities and risks of this new form of …
Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing platform to a significant player in social commerce. With over two billion monthly active users worldwide, it has become essential for businesses aiming to sell online. Features like shoppable posts, live shopping, and personalized product recommendations have solidified Instagram’s role in e-commerce. Despite Instagram’s global reach, user purchasing …
In a world where shopping is becoming increasingly digital, Whatnot is setting new standards. Founded in 2019 by Grant LaFontaine and Logan Head, Whatnot is more than just an interactive marketplace—it’s a platform that blends livestreams, auctions, and social media into a unique shopping experience. With over $60 million in funding secured by 2024 and …
Pinterest is no longer just a platform for inspiration – it has become a major player in social commerce. Especially in the fashion industry, it seamlessly connects inspiration with purchasing. Features like visual search, shoppable pins, and personalized recommendations make Pinterest one of the most exciting digital commerce channels. Pinterest as a Social Commerce Platform …
This blog post is based on the article “Social Commerce Revolutionizes Electronic Commerce” by Victoria Frings and Prof. Dr. Richard C. Geibel, published in the proceedings of the 3rd International Scientific-Practical Conference (ISPC 2023). The article explores how social commerce – the integration of social media and e-commerce – is revolutionizing online retail. With a …
The e-commerce market has experienced impressive growth in recent years, but market saturation presents new challenges for businesses. At the same time, consumers are increasingly seeking interactive, personalized shopping experiences. Social commerce, the use of social media to sell products and services, offers a promising solution. In this article, we explore the roles of Instagram …
Whether it’s social selling or social commerce, combining social platforms with sales has been proven to boost revenues, as studies confirm. Leveraging social networks as sales and lead channels has become the gold standard in sales. Statista data highlights the growing importance of selling products directly or indirectly via social media platforms, unlocking significant revenue …
Rapid growth of social commerce: How influencers are changing young people’s buying behavior Introduction In recent years, the shopping behavior of consumers, especially the younger generation, has changed drastically. The integration of social media into e-commerce, known as social commerce, has opened up new opportunities for brands and retailers to reach and influence their target …
Social Proof Social proof is a decisive factor in social commerce that strengthens consumer trust and positively influences purchasing decisions. Various forms of social proof, such as customer reviews, influencer recommendations and social media activities, are particularly effective. Customer reviews Customer reviews are one of the most common and effective forms of social proof. According …
60% share product information with friends or family through Dark Social, and 71% don’t want social media companies to know what they buy: Learn how social media impacts consumer behavior and what businesses can learn from it in our new study. Social media plays a crucial role in shaping consumer behavior, enabling users to discover …
The trading platform eBay is cutting a thousand jobs – the explanation is that the workforce and expenses have grown faster than the business. And there have been many layoffs at other online retailers recently. What’s going on? According to Richard C. Geibel, Managing Director of the eCommerce Institute Cologne, this is clearly a consequence …
In an exciting interview with E-commerce expert Richard C. Geibel, we shed light on current trends in online commerce. Richard Geibel explains how online retailers are responding to post-pandemic challenges and the opportunities that arise for traditional brands. A central trend is the merging of social media and e-commerce. Platforms like Amazon are embracing live …
Live shopping on the internet: Is it a trend with a future? ‘We expect that by 2030, ten percent of online commerce will take place in this form,’ says Richard Geibel, Director of the E-Commerce Institute Cologne, in an interview with Judith Schulte-Loh, WDR5. Below is the transcript. Judith Schulte-Loh, WDR5: For many of us, …
TikTok plans, according to a report from The Information, to ban links to external e-commerce websites. However, TikTok denies this claim. According to the report, the company aims to compel people to use the TikTok Shop if they want to purchase an item. According to the report, it is expected that the TikTok Shop will …
Customers rely primarily on User-Generated-Content (UGC) when making purchasing decisions, according to a study by Bazaarvoice. Social media is also becoming increasingly established as an everyday distribution channel. UGC stands for “User-Generated-Content” and refers to content created and published by users, such as reviews, photos, or videos, on online platforms and social media. These contents …
Image source: Pixabay Over the last decade, the burgeoning creator economy — which centers on individuals creating and monetizing digital content — has supercharged the growth of social commerce. The evolution of social media platforms making high-production value content, particularly video, more accessible has caused a boom in viewership. More consumers using social platforms …
Richard C. Geibel talks about the currently very fast-growing field of social commerce, which represents a new type of combination of social media and e-commerce. On the one hand, functions of e-commerce are adopted in the social media platforms (esp. Instagram, meta, YouTube, TikTok) and on the other hand, elements of social media are …