Social shopping helps ecommerce companies reach shoppers

According to a recent BBC News report, a new phenomenon is taking place in the world of online shopping. Despite retailers feeling that shopping through a computer lacks the charm and connection of a physical store environment, social shopping may provide the missing link.

This type of ecommerce is more personalised as shoppers receive a different type of experience through the online payment gateway. Consumers sign up for offers and once enough are registered for a particular deal, the voucher is sent to their inbox.

"Social shopping encompasses a range of ideas, from shopping within social networks, to shopping-specific search engines that use friends recommendations to group buying sites such as Groupon," wrote the BBC News' Jane Wakefield.

Facebook, in particular, is being used by companies to increase online communities to connect a particular business with current and potential customers. Many large retailers, including Asos, are utilizing the social media website to allow shoppers to make purchases within Facebook, the report stated.

A recent Facebook Insider report also highlighted the important role Facebook is playing in ecommerce. Ways companies can benefit from a Facebook presence includes creating homepage buttons about certain products that customers can share their opinion with other members of the online community.