Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Official and the Non-Official Social Media Brand Communication Methods on Egyptian Women’s Consumer-Based Brand Equity

Abstract

Companies communicate their brands with customers through social media, either officially through their official pages or non-officially through social media users’ Electronic Word of Mouth or brand-related content created by Social Media Influencers. This study evaluates the effectiveness of these three brand communication methods on consumer-based brand equity (CBBE), including brand awareness, brand image, brand attitude and purchase intention. The study further clarifies the most influential consumer and firm-related factors on Egyptian women’s behavioural intentions. It identifies the motives for following the official and non-official brand communication methods, interaction with brand posts and characteristics of the most followed social media influencers. A total of 400 Egyptian women answered an online/offline survey. Moreover, four focus group discussions were conducted. Based on the modified brand value chain model, the findings indicate that users’ eWOM is the most followed and influential brand communication method in Egyptian women’s purchase intention. Most Egyptian women are silent followers and prefer to follow younger influencers interested in fashion, sports, travelling and visiting new places. Egyptian women’s age, working status, past brand experience, real need to purchase, visuals of brand posts and peer pressure are the most influential firm-related and consumer-related variables on purchase intention.