The most surprising finding, however, despite all of the attention being given to the relationships that moms form online through social media, is that they do not use social networks as a resource when it comes to product decision-making. Moms are four times more likely to turn to their personal offline network of friends and family than online social networks for product recommendations and buying advice.
The study found that the role of social networks in moms' lives is not a channel where most moms are receptive to gathering product information, but rather is largely for entertainment and personal communication. Only 24% of respondents have used Facebook for product information and buying advice, while 5% have used Myspace for product info, and 3% have used Twitter.
Facebook Is Moms' Social Network Of Choice | |
Social Network | % of Moms Who Are Members |
81% | |
39% | |
Myspace | 38% |
YouTube | 36% |
CafeMom | 31% |
23% | |
21% | |
Source: MomConnection, November 2009 |
Moms' Sources Of Product Research And Buying Advice | |
Get Advice All The Time | % of Respondents |
Mom-focused web sites | 41% |
User reviews on shopping web sites | 34% |
Magazine articles | 32% |
Source: MomConnection, November 2009 |
The survey also found that moms interact with brands on a surprisingly high level, actively requesting information and resources from the companies whose products they use. One-on-one interaction with brands is their preferred way to receive info:
The research found that nearly all moms are "influencers" in some way, spreading the word once they've formulated an opinion about a product:
Popular Subject Areas For Mom-To-Mom Discussion Of Product Choices | |
Give Advice On: | Percentage Of Moms Who Give And Get Advice In Category |
Children's toys and games | 86% |
Entertainment | 84% |
Cooking and baking tools | 82% |
Online/offline shopping | 78% |
Drugs and remedies | 75% |
Source: MomConnection, November 2009 |
Moms are more likely to seek advice, rather than share advice, on product decisions in the following categories:
The research also identified six key characteristics that draw moms to one brand over another. Moms are most likely to talk about brands that they feel are:
The Mom Network survey was conducted by MomConnection among 583 moms with children under 12 between September 10 and September 24, 2009.
For more information about the study and the MomConnection, please visit here.