A study of over 1,500 consumers by market research firm Chadwick Martin Bailey and iModerate Research Technologies found that 60% of Facebook fans and 79% of Twitter followers are more likely to recommend those brands since becoming a fan or follower. And 51% of Facebook fans and 67% of Twitter followers are more likely to buy the brands they follow or are a fan of.
Data was collected from 1,504 adults (aged 18 and over) via a nationally representative online survey questionnaire by Chadwick Martin Bailey Feb. 8 and 9.--Karl Greenberg
I wonder whether this is cause or effect? Are they following because they are already fans, and therefore more likely to buy without the social media involvement? I would like to see a deeper probing of the motivation for the buying decision. We may find that the "fanning" of the product has only a marginal impact, because the loyalty is already there.
Or, is their loyalty enhanced by the ability to follow and interact more deeply? Question not asked here, so not answered!
@Kern - I completely agree with your position!