A recent forum of nationwide social media users revealed exactly why they “follow” a company, and what inspires them to buy. 

The forum, hosted by Invoke Solutions, found 75% of social media users are most interested in posts or Tweets that provide “new or noteworthy” info.

The forum also revealed:

• 69% of users gravitate to entertaining content
• 68% seek out valuable advice
• 67% like exclusive info, and
• 65% are interested in any news or offer that provides financial benefit.

One of the forum’s other key findings was that almost half of social media users seek out advice from other “friends” or “followers” when considering a major purchase or buying decision.

And a third of users said they’d be willing to follow a brand or company on Facebook or Twitter in return for a discount or coupon, and 25% of users admitted they’ve actually used a product or service they otherwise wouldn’t have because of a coupon or discount they found on Facebook.

These are all indications of what types of posts or tweets can provide the most return for companies that consistently update their social networking pages.

More to the point, it may be worth offering an incentive in return for having prospects follow your company online.

Source:“Traits of the Most Valuable Social Media Users,” by Neicole Crepeau, SocialMediaToday, 11/2/10.

Tags: brand, content, coupon, Facebook, followers, Forum, friends, incentive, Invoke Solutions, social media, social networking, tweets, Twitter, users