Impact of Online Reviews on Brand Reputation and Customer Purchase Behaviors in Online Retail Market


Noflany Traore
Master student at Commerce University of Istanbul. Student
DOI : https://doi.org/10.58806/ijirme.2024.v3i3n17

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of online reviews on brand reputation and customer purchase behavior within the digital commerce landscape. Recognizing the critical role of online customer evaluations in shaping consumer perceptions and decisions, the research synthesizes empirical findings, theoretical insights, and practical observations to explore the dynamics between online reviews, brand reputation, and purchasing actions. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the study employs surveys based on a purposive sampling strategy to collect data from 100 participants, assessing their opinions on online reviews' influence on their purchasing decisions through a Likert-scale questionnaire. Analysis of the data through frequency distribution, descriptive, and inferential statistics reveals significant insights into how online reviews affect consumer behavior and brand perception. The findings highlight a pronounced reliance on online reviews among consumers, with positive reviews significantly enhancing the likelihood of purchases. Age and gender emerge as notable demographic factors influencing the impact of reviews, with younger and female respondents showing greater receptiveness to online evaluations. Despite the study's contributions to understanding online review impacts, it acknowledges limitations such as potential response bias and suggests future research could benefit from a mixed-methods approach for deeper insights. This research enriches the discourse on digital marketing strategies by emphasizing the importance of managing online reviews to bolster brand reputation and stimulate consumer purchase behavior.

References:

1) Amblee, N. and Bui, T. (2007). The impact of electronic word-of-mouth on digital microproducts: An empirical investigation of Amazon Shorts. In H. Österle, J. Schelp, and R. Winter (eds.), Proceedings of the Fifteenth European Conference on Information Systems. St. Gallen: University of St. Gallen, 2007, pp. 36–47.

) Anastasiadou, E., Lindh, C., and Vasse, T. (2018). Are Consumers International? A Study of CSR, Cross-Border Shopping, Commitment and Purchase Intent among Online Consumers. Journal Of Global Marketing, vol. 32, No.4, 239-254.

3) Busu, M., ClodniȚchi, R., and MureȘan, M. L. (2019). Correlation analysis of the spot market prices of Romanian electricity sector. Management & Marketing. Challenges for the Knowledge Society. 14. 150-162. 10.2478/mmcks-2019-0010.

4) Campbell, S., Greenwood, M., Prior, S., Shearer, T., Walkem, K., Young, S., ... & Walker, K. (2020). Purposive sampling: complex or simple? Research case examples. Journal of Research in Nursing, 25(8), 652-661.

5) Choshaly, S. H., & Mirabolghasemi, M. (2020). The role of viral marketing strategies in predicting purchasing intention of eco-labeled products. Journal of Islamic Marketing. Journal of Islamic Marketing, Vol.13 (5), p.997-1015

6) Fowler, F.J. (2009). Survey Research Methods. [online] Google Books. SAGE. Available at: https://books.google.com.ng/books/about/Survey_Research_Methods.html?id=2Enm9gWeH2IC&redir_esc=y [Accessed 28 Dec. 2023].

7) Ismagilova, E., Slade, E., Rana, N.P. and Dwivedi, Y.K. (2020). The effect of characteristics of source credibility on consumer behaviour: A meta-analysis. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 53 (March), p.101736.

8) Kay, J. (1995). Foundations of Corporate Success: How Business Strategies Add Value. UK: Oxford University Press.

9) Liu, Z., Lei, S.-hui, Guo, Y.-lang, & Zhou, Z.-ang. (2020, January 21). The interaction effect of online review language style and product type on consumers' purchase intentions. Palgrave communications, Vol.6 (1), 1-8.

10) Morwitz, V. (2014). "Consumers' purchase intentions and their behavior", Foundations and Trends® in Marketing, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 181-230.

11) Sharma, S., Kumar, S. (2023). Insights into the Impact of Online Product Reviews on Consumer Purchasing Decisions: A Survey-based Analysis of Brands' Response Strategies. Scholedge International Journal of Management and Development, 10(1), 1-13. https://dx.doi.org/10.19085/sijmd100101

12) Yi, J. and Oh, Y.K. (2022). The informational value of multi-attribute online consumer reviews: A text mining approach. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 65 (March), p.102519.

13) Zhang, J., Zheng, W., & Wang, S. (2020, February 14). The study of the effect of online review on purchase behavior: Comparing the two research methods. International Journal of Crowd Science.Vol 3. Nu 1. Pp.74-86.