Accept payments
Grow your business
Embedded payments
Technical resources
About Mollie
Social commerce: boosting growth and customer loyalty in social networks
Social commerce: boosting growth and customer loyalty in social networks
Social commerce: boosting growth and customer loyalty in social networks
Social commerce: boosting growth and customer loyalty in social networks
With social commerce as a marketing strategy, you can use social media to sell. We show you the advantages and opportunities that social shopping has in store for you.
With social commerce as a marketing strategy, you can use social media to sell. We show you the advantages and opportunities that social shopping has in store for you.
Ecommerce-tips
May 8, 2024
Overview: Social commerce
Social commerce enables shopping directly via social networks
Big advantage: social shopping takes place in an app
Forwarding to own store for social commerce also possible
Important for the success of social shopping: target group and network are crucial
Payment possible via Instagram and co. or via own online store via Mollie
Social commerce enables shopping directly via social networks
Big advantage: social shopping takes place in an app
Forwarding to own store for social commerce also possible
Important for the success of social shopping: target group and network are crucial
Payment possible via Instagram and co. or via own online store via Mollie
Social commerce enables shopping directly via social networks
Big advantage: social shopping takes place in an app
Forwarding to own store for social commerce also possible
Important for the success of social shopping: target group and network are crucial
Payment possible via Instagram and co. or via own online store via Mollie
Social commerce enables shopping directly via social networks
Big advantage: social shopping takes place in an app
Forwarding to own store for social commerce also possible
Important for the success of social shopping: target group and network are crucial
Payment possible via Instagram and co. or via own online store via Mollie
Definition: What is social commerce?
Social commerce is a sub-area of e-commerce. It describes the sale of goods and services via social media platforms. This means that social shopping takes place directly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and the like.
In contrast to mobile commerce, social commerce has a different meaning: inspiring the target group with interactions and individuality and generating a purchase directly on the social network.
While e-commerce encompasses all online sales, social commerce focuses on sales via social networks. This shifts the entire customer journey to social media. For online retailers, social commerce offers various advantages that can be used in a targeted manner to increase sales. Plus: social commerce can be easily integrated into omnichannel and multichannel concepts.
What do 5,000 European customers want from online stores? Use the insights from the E-Commerce Report 2023 for your social commerce - download now for free.
Social commerce is a sub-area of e-commerce. It describes the sale of goods and services via social media platforms. This means that social shopping takes place directly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and the like.
In contrast to mobile commerce, social commerce has a different meaning: inspiring the target group with interactions and individuality and generating a purchase directly on the social network.
While e-commerce encompasses all online sales, social commerce focuses on sales via social networks. This shifts the entire customer journey to social media. For online retailers, social commerce offers various advantages that can be used in a targeted manner to increase sales. Plus: social commerce can be easily integrated into omnichannel and multichannel concepts.
What do 5,000 European customers want from online stores? Use the insights from the E-Commerce Report 2023 for your social commerce - download now for free.
Social commerce is a sub-area of e-commerce. It describes the sale of goods and services via social media platforms. This means that social shopping takes place directly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and the like.
In contrast to mobile commerce, social commerce has a different meaning: inspiring the target group with interactions and individuality and generating a purchase directly on the social network.
While e-commerce encompasses all online sales, social commerce focuses on sales via social networks. This shifts the entire customer journey to social media. For online retailers, social commerce offers various advantages that can be used in a targeted manner to increase sales. Plus: social commerce can be easily integrated into omnichannel and multichannel concepts.
What do 5,000 European customers want from online stores? Use the insights from the E-Commerce Report 2023 for your social commerce - download now for free.
Social commerce is a sub-area of e-commerce. It describes the sale of goods and services via social media platforms. This means that social shopping takes place directly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and the like.
In contrast to mobile commerce, social commerce has a different meaning: inspiring the target group with interactions and individuality and generating a purchase directly on the social network.
While e-commerce encompasses all online sales, social commerce focuses on sales via social networks. This shifts the entire customer journey to social media. For online retailers, social commerce offers various advantages that can be used in a targeted manner to increase sales. Plus: social commerce can be easily integrated into omnichannel and multichannel concepts.
What do 5,000 European customers want from online stores? Use the insights from the E-Commerce Report 2023 for your social commerce - download now for free.
Social commerce: the biggest advantages for retailers
The benefits of social commerce are as diverse as the platforms available to you for social e-commerce. Among other things, you can expect these four benefits when you use social commerce:
Wide reach: with social media, you can quickly access a wide reach that you would have to work hard to achieve with other marketing strategies. This potential reach is a major advantage of social commerce, especially for small businesses.
Better customer loyalty: Direct contact via social media allows you to build a close relationship with your customers. Customer loyalty is constantly increased through interactions and sustainable after-sales marketing.
Competitive advantage: By incorporating social commerce into your online marketing, you can stand out from the competition and gain a competitive advantage because your business is in a place that your competitors have not yet tapped into.
Higher conversion: The seamless user experience in the familiar environment of Instagram and co. reduces the time it takes to complete a purchase. Social shopping therefore enables faster and higher conversion. This effect can be enhanced by using an individual checkout in the familiar environment of your online store.
The benefits of social commerce are as diverse as the platforms available to you for social e-commerce. Among other things, you can expect these four benefits when you use social commerce:
Wide reach: with social media, you can quickly access a wide reach that you would have to work hard to achieve with other marketing strategies. This potential reach is a major advantage of social commerce, especially for small businesses.
Better customer loyalty: Direct contact via social media allows you to build a close relationship with your customers. Customer loyalty is constantly increased through interactions and sustainable after-sales marketing.
Competitive advantage: By incorporating social commerce into your online marketing, you can stand out from the competition and gain a competitive advantage because your business is in a place that your competitors have not yet tapped into.
Higher conversion: The seamless user experience in the familiar environment of Instagram and co. reduces the time it takes to complete a purchase. Social shopping therefore enables faster and higher conversion. This effect can be enhanced by using an individual checkout in the familiar environment of your online store.
The benefits of social commerce are as diverse as the platforms available to you for social e-commerce. Among other things, you can expect these four benefits when you use social commerce:
Wide reach: with social media, you can quickly access a wide reach that you would have to work hard to achieve with other marketing strategies. This potential reach is a major advantage of social commerce, especially for small businesses.
Better customer loyalty: Direct contact via social media allows you to build a close relationship with your customers. Customer loyalty is constantly increased through interactions and sustainable after-sales marketing.
Competitive advantage: By incorporating social commerce into your online marketing, you can stand out from the competition and gain a competitive advantage because your business is in a place that your competitors have not yet tapped into.
Higher conversion: The seamless user experience in the familiar environment of Instagram and co. reduces the time it takes to complete a purchase. Social shopping therefore enables faster and higher conversion. This effect can be enhanced by using an individual checkout in the familiar environment of your online store.
The benefits of social commerce are as diverse as the platforms available to you for social e-commerce. Among other things, you can expect these four benefits when you use social commerce:
Wide reach: with social media, you can quickly access a wide reach that you would have to work hard to achieve with other marketing strategies. This potential reach is a major advantage of social commerce, especially for small businesses.
Better customer loyalty: Direct contact via social media allows you to build a close relationship with your customers. Customer loyalty is constantly increased through interactions and sustainable after-sales marketing.
Competitive advantage: By incorporating social commerce into your online marketing, you can stand out from the competition and gain a competitive advantage because your business is in a place that your competitors have not yet tapped into.
Higher conversion: The seamless user experience in the familiar environment of Instagram and co. reduces the time it takes to complete a purchase. Social shopping therefore enables faster and higher conversion. This effect can be enhanced by using an individual checkout in the familiar environment of your online store.
Social commerce: 4 best practices for implementing social shopping
There are numerous examples of social commerce that show how the implementation of e-commerce with social media works successfully. The following four best practices show how you can use social commerce in a variety of ways.
Live shopping: In fact, live shopping is one of the most advanced examples of social commerce. During a live broadcast, companies can give product launches, conduct interviews with influencers and tag products directly in the stream on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok so that the live audience can shop directly. This type of social shopping is most suitable for companies that already have a certain number of customers or followers on social media.
Set up a store: You can set up your own store for your services and goods on many social networks, for example an Instagram store. This means that the purchase is concluded directly via the respective platform. The appearance is similar to a classic online store, without buyers having to leave the platform. However, Facebook charges a commission of around 3 % per purchase for this service. Other platforms also charge sales fees.
Redirect to your own store: In e-commerce, social media is often used for referrals so that customers complete the purchase in your online store. This allows you to use your preferred store system, such as Shopware or WooCommerce. The big advantage of having your own store: you have a full overview of the customer journey, can improve it based on data and increase your sales.
Optimize the checkout process: If you use social shopping to direct buyers to your own online store, the checkout process is crucial. By optimizing this process for social media users, the effect of a familiar environment leads to higher conversion.
There are numerous examples of social commerce that show how the implementation of e-commerce with social media works successfully. The following four best practices show how you can use social commerce in a variety of ways.
Live shopping: In fact, live shopping is one of the most advanced examples of social commerce. During a live broadcast, companies can give product launches, conduct interviews with influencers and tag products directly in the stream on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok so that the live audience can shop directly. This type of social shopping is most suitable for companies that already have a certain number of customers or followers on social media.
Set up a store: You can set up your own store for your services and goods on many social networks, for example an Instagram store. This means that the purchase is concluded directly via the respective platform. The appearance is similar to a classic online store, without buyers having to leave the platform. However, Facebook charges a commission of around 3 % per purchase for this service. Other platforms also charge sales fees.
Redirect to your own store: In e-commerce, social media is often used for referrals so that customers complete the purchase in your online store. This allows you to use your preferred store system, such as Shopware or WooCommerce. The big advantage of having your own store: you have a full overview of the customer journey, can improve it based on data and increase your sales.
Optimize the checkout process: If you use social shopping to direct buyers to your own online store, the checkout process is crucial. By optimizing this process for social media users, the effect of a familiar environment leads to higher conversion.
There are numerous examples of social commerce that show how the implementation of e-commerce with social media works successfully. The following four best practices show how you can use social commerce in a variety of ways.
Live shopping: In fact, live shopping is one of the most advanced examples of social commerce. During a live broadcast, companies can give product launches, conduct interviews with influencers and tag products directly in the stream on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok so that the live audience can shop directly. This type of social shopping is most suitable for companies that already have a certain number of customers or followers on social media.
Set up a store: You can set up your own store for your services and goods on many social networks, for example an Instagram store. This means that the purchase is concluded directly via the respective platform. The appearance is similar to a classic online store, without buyers having to leave the platform. However, Facebook charges a commission of around 3 % per purchase for this service. Other platforms also charge sales fees.
Redirect to your own store: In e-commerce, social media is often used for referrals so that customers complete the purchase in your online store. This allows you to use your preferred store system, such as Shopware or WooCommerce. The big advantage of having your own store: you have a full overview of the customer journey, can improve it based on data and increase your sales.
Optimize the checkout process: If you use social shopping to direct buyers to your own online store, the checkout process is crucial. By optimizing this process for social media users, the effect of a familiar environment leads to higher conversion.
There are numerous examples of social commerce that show how the implementation of e-commerce with social media works successfully. The following four best practices show how you can use social commerce in a variety of ways.
Live shopping: In fact, live shopping is one of the most advanced examples of social commerce. During a live broadcast, companies can give product launches, conduct interviews with influencers and tag products directly in the stream on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok so that the live audience can shop directly. This type of social shopping is most suitable for companies that already have a certain number of customers or followers on social media.
Set up a store: You can set up your own store for your services and goods on many social networks, for example an Instagram store. This means that the purchase is concluded directly via the respective platform. The appearance is similar to a classic online store, without buyers having to leave the platform. However, Facebook charges a commission of around 3 % per purchase for this service. Other platforms also charge sales fees.
Redirect to your own store: In e-commerce, social media is often used for referrals so that customers complete the purchase in your online store. This allows you to use your preferred store system, such as Shopware or WooCommerce. The big advantage of having your own store: you have a full overview of the customer journey, can improve it based on data and increase your sales.
Optimize the checkout process: If you use social shopping to direct buyers to your own online store, the checkout process is crucial. By optimizing this process for social media users, the effect of a familiar environment leads to higher conversion.
First possible steps for social commerce
Finding the right network for social commerce depends on various factors and ultimately the e-commerce KPIs. The target group plays a key role here. Find out which social network your potential customers spend their time on and take advantage of the benefits of social commerce. The most popular platforms for social commerce include Instagram and Facebook. However, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) are also making progress in the field of social shopping.
By identifying the right network, you can fine-tune your social commerce strategy. Keep in mind the cost of being on social media and focus on the most lucrative networks.
To increase awareness of your brand and your sales, you can, for example
Use storytelling
Maintain channels regularly
Get in touch with customers
Provide special offers and discounts
Finding the right network for social commerce depends on various factors and ultimately the e-commerce KPIs. The target group plays a key role here. Find out which social network your potential customers spend their time on and take advantage of the benefits of social commerce. The most popular platforms for social commerce include Instagram and Facebook. However, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) are also making progress in the field of social shopping.
By identifying the right network, you can fine-tune your social commerce strategy. Keep in mind the cost of being on social media and focus on the most lucrative networks.
To increase awareness of your brand and your sales, you can, for example
Use storytelling
Maintain channels regularly
Get in touch with customers
Provide special offers and discounts
Finding the right network for social commerce depends on various factors and ultimately the e-commerce KPIs. The target group plays a key role here. Find out which social network your potential customers spend their time on and take advantage of the benefits of social commerce. The most popular platforms for social commerce include Instagram and Facebook. However, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) are also making progress in the field of social shopping.
By identifying the right network, you can fine-tune your social commerce strategy. Keep in mind the cost of being on social media and focus on the most lucrative networks.
To increase awareness of your brand and your sales, you can, for example
Use storytelling
Maintain channels regularly
Get in touch with customers
Provide special offers and discounts
Finding the right network for social commerce depends on various factors and ultimately the e-commerce KPIs. The target group plays a key role here. Find out which social network your potential customers spend their time on and take advantage of the benefits of social commerce. The most popular platforms for social commerce include Instagram and Facebook. However, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) are also making progress in the field of social shopping.
By identifying the right network, you can fine-tune your social commerce strategy. Keep in mind the cost of being on social media and focus on the most lucrative networks.
To increase awareness of your brand and your sales, you can, for example
Use storytelling
Maintain channels regularly
Get in touch with customers
Provide special offers and discounts
Social commerce via platforms such as Magento, Shopify and WooCommerce
Numerous platforms for online stores offer the option of integrating social commerce and benefiting from this upward trend. The most common store systems include
Social commerce via Magento
The Magento e-commerce platform offers easy integration with social commerce, allowing you to make the most of social media to sell your goods and services. Connect Magento to your social shopping platforms and gain insight into your campaigns, promote your sales and track your performance.
Social commerce via Shopify
If you use the Shopify store system for social commerce, you can also benefit from a seamless customer journey thanks to the Shopify integration. For example, you can manage your product catalog on Instagram and Facebook or customize the app store according to your wishes.
Social commerce via WooCommerce
Social commerce becomes easier with the WooCommerce platform, especially on Pinterest. Among other things, WooCommerce has an integration with the Pinterest portal and enables a flawless shopping experience for your customers.
Social commerce via Shopware
Numerous social commerce extensions are available for Shopware. With the Shopware integration, you can transfer products to the social commerce platform with just a few clicks and improve the shopping experience for social shopping.
Numerous platforms for online stores offer the option of integrating social commerce and benefiting from this upward trend. The most common store systems include
Social commerce via Magento
The Magento e-commerce platform offers easy integration with social commerce, allowing you to make the most of social media to sell your goods and services. Connect Magento to your social shopping platforms and gain insight into your campaigns, promote your sales and track your performance.
Social commerce via Shopify
If you use the Shopify store system for social commerce, you can also benefit from a seamless customer journey thanks to the Shopify integration. For example, you can manage your product catalog on Instagram and Facebook or customize the app store according to your wishes.
Social commerce via WooCommerce
Social commerce becomes easier with the WooCommerce platform, especially on Pinterest. Among other things, WooCommerce has an integration with the Pinterest portal and enables a flawless shopping experience for your customers.
Social commerce via Shopware
Numerous social commerce extensions are available for Shopware. With the Shopware integration, you can transfer products to the social commerce platform with just a few clicks and improve the shopping experience for social shopping.
Numerous platforms for online stores offer the option of integrating social commerce and benefiting from this upward trend. The most common store systems include
Social commerce via Magento
The Magento e-commerce platform offers easy integration with social commerce, allowing you to make the most of social media to sell your goods and services. Connect Magento to your social shopping platforms and gain insight into your campaigns, promote your sales and track your performance.
Social commerce via Shopify
If you use the Shopify store system for social commerce, you can also benefit from a seamless customer journey thanks to the Shopify integration. For example, you can manage your product catalog on Instagram and Facebook or customize the app store according to your wishes.
Social commerce via WooCommerce
Social commerce becomes easier with the WooCommerce platform, especially on Pinterest. Among other things, WooCommerce has an integration with the Pinterest portal and enables a flawless shopping experience for your customers.
Social commerce via Shopware
Numerous social commerce extensions are available for Shopware. With the Shopware integration, you can transfer products to the social commerce platform with just a few clicks and improve the shopping experience for social shopping.
Numerous platforms for online stores offer the option of integrating social commerce and benefiting from this upward trend. The most common store systems include
Social commerce via Magento
The Magento e-commerce platform offers easy integration with social commerce, allowing you to make the most of social media to sell your goods and services. Connect Magento to your social shopping platforms and gain insight into your campaigns, promote your sales and track your performance.
Social commerce via Shopify
If you use the Shopify store system for social commerce, you can also benefit from a seamless customer journey thanks to the Shopify integration. For example, you can manage your product catalog on Instagram and Facebook or customize the app store according to your wishes.
Social commerce via WooCommerce
Social commerce becomes easier with the WooCommerce platform, especially on Pinterest. Among other things, WooCommerce has an integration with the Pinterest portal and enables a flawless shopping experience for your customers.
Social commerce via Shopware
Numerous social commerce extensions are available for Shopware. With the Shopware integration, you can transfer products to the social commerce platform with just a few clicks and improve the shopping experience for social shopping.
How payments work
As with e-commerce, the topic of payment is also present on social media. There are two different ways to do this: Processing via the respective platform or via your own store.
Payment via social networks
Everything in one app - that is the goal of social commerce. There should be no exception when it comes to payment in the area of social shopping. Customers can therefore pay for their purchases directly via Instagram and the like. To do this, your customers enter their payment details in the respective app or pay via a wallet using Google Pay or Apple Pay.
Payment via your own online shop
E-commerce and social media can also be combined via your own online store so that you can also process payments via your store. This is transparent and secure. With a strong partner like Mollie, you can process online payments easily, benefit from numerous payment methods and offer customers a familiar environment. With Mollie, you combine the advantages of social e-commerce and your own online store.
When is social commerce worthwhile?
When social commerce is worthwhile depends on various factors. Basically, any company with the right strategy can benefit from the social shopping trend. It is important to identify your own target group and the right network.
How do I connect my store system with social media?
A store system can be connected to social media via an integration that matches the store system. Well-known systems such as Shopware, WooCommerce or Shopify offer corresponding extensions or plugins so that a simple connection for social commerce is possible.
Stay up to date
Never miss an update. Receive product updates, news and customer stories right into your inbox.
Connect every payment. Upgrade every part of your business.
Never miss an update. Receive product updates, news and customer stories right into your inbox.
Table of contents
Table of contents
Table of contents
More updates
Consumer electronics trends, payment methods, and security
The consumer electronics industry can be challenging – and competitive. Discover the latest website trends and payment tips to help you excel.
Mar 26, 2024
Up-Selling strategies for increased revenue
As part of up-selling measures, you offer your customers something more: Premium instead of Basic, the larger model of a product or high-margin additional insurance.
May 9, 2024
Mobile commerce: how merchants increase sales via smartphone
Mobile shopping pays off for online store operators thanks to fewer bounces. We'll show you what you need to do here. Find out now and increase your sales!
May 7, 2024
Shopware prices: These are the costs for a Shopware shop
The Shopware prices for an online shop depend on the selected licence, among other things. Which editions are available & what other costs are incurred for a Shopware shop?
May 12, 2024
Successfully building B2B e-commerce: This is what matters
Setting up a successful B2B online shop involves considering specific features to ensure an excellent shopping experience for b2b customers. We show, which key aspects are crucial.
Apr 25, 2024
Create a Shopify shop: Start your own online shop with our guide
Your business is about to take off, but you don't have an online shop yet? We show you how to easily create a Shopify shop, even as a beginner.
Apr 24, 2024
Simplify payments and money management
Drive revenue, reduce costs, and manage funds with Mollie.
Simplify payments and money management
Whether you want to grow internationally or focus on a specific market, everything is possible. Mollie supports all known payment methods, so you can grow your business regardless of location.
Simplify payments and money management
Drive revenue, reduce costs, and manage funds with Mollie.