New Survey Proves Moms Are Social Media, Blog Aficionados

When Moms aren’t busy parenting, there’s a good chance you’ll find them linked in—and retailers looking to win their dollars should take note. According to the new Retail Advertising and Marketing Association (RAMA) survey conducted by BIGresearch, women with kids in the home are 60.3 percent more likely to use Facebook, 42.4 percent more likely to use MySpace and 16.5 percent more likely to use Twitter than average adults (who came in at 50.2 percent, 34.4 percent and 15 percent, respectively). On top of that, 15.3 percent pen a blog of their own.

“Retailers who aren’t engaging customers through social media could be missing the boat,” RAMA executive director Mike Gatti said. “Twitter, Facebook and blogs are becoming increasingly popular with moms as they search for coupons or deals and keep in touch with loved ones. The web provides efficient, convenient ways for brands to stay in front of their most loyal shoppers and attract new ones.”

Moms said they share experiences and information online and their purchases are often influenced by other people’s opinions. Nine out of 10 mothers regularly or occasionally seek the advice of others before buying a service or product, according to the survey, and almost all willingly dish out advice. “These women are eager and willing to share shopping experiences, both good and bad,” noted Phil Rist, executive vice president of strategic initiatives for BIGresearch.

The moms surveyed were also asked about where they shop for kids’ clothing. Thirty percent said they shop at discount stores, 19.6 percent head to department stores and 17.5 percent prefer specialty apparel stores. Discounters are also their main resource for children’s toys and their own personal health and beauty products.

Read the September issue and learn more about: A Spring ’10 trend report A spotlight on new products bowing at ABC Kids Expo The top launches from the New York shows Catching up with the Kids In Distressed Situations charity Plus: Infant and toddler fashion Coming In October: Tools for selling slings and wraps Tips for easing CPSIA compliance Understanding the Canadian consumer Back to the future with tween fashion Plus: hot gifts for tweens and infant hosiery