The research underlines the importance of a positive web presence for consumer packaged goods companies, according to the Michigan-based company, and not just in terms online retail.
ForeSee Results, which specialises in online customer satisfaction measurement, advises companies to invest in their websites particularly in challenging economic times.
Online experience affects future behavior
According to the study, which looked at the consumer experience of the websites of approximately 25 major brands, a consumer’s online experience can significantly affect future behavior.
When satisfied consumers are compared to those unhappy with their online experience, they are 81 percent more likely to return to the website, 59 percent more likely to recommend the product, 73 percent more likely to purchase online and 41 percent more likely to purchase offline.
“Some consumer packaged goods companies still struggle with proving that their websites contribute tangible to company-wide objectives, especially when there are little or no sales associated with the online channel,” said Larry Freed, CEO of ForeSee Results.
However, according to Freed, you only need to look at the link between satisfaction and both purchase and brand loyalty to see what a critical role the web plays in the success of an organization.
Every little helps when times are tough
Such investment is particularly important in a difficult economic climate. Not only will an improved web presence improve brand loyalty and purchases, the internet is also a channel that may prove to be more resistant to a softening retail environment.
When department store and specialty beauty store sales are suffering companies may do well to concentrate on the varied opportunities their web presence may bring.
“…it will be crucial for consumer packaged goods companies to understand how they perform relative to close competitors as well as which specific aspects of their websites can be improved for the greatest return on investment during a time when resources may be tighter than usual,” Freed concluded.