THE ROLE OF VISUAL CONTENT STRATEGIES IN DRIVING CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT IN SOCIAL MEDIA: A QUANTITATIVE STUDY IN THE SRI LANKAN APPAREL INDUSTRY
2024 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 10 credits / 15 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
This research presents a comprehensive examination of how visual content on social mediaimpacts consumer engagement within Sri Lanka's apparel sector. As social media channelsincreasingly serve as vital marketing instruments especially in visually driven industries likeapparel grasping the influence of visual material becomes essential. The study aims to pinpointhow thoughtfully crafted visual content enhances engagement and fosters significantconnections between brands and consumers, ultimately reinforcing brand loyalty in a digitalsetting. A quantitative methodology was utilized, collecting data via an online survey aimed atapparel consumers in Sri Lanka. To ensure that the findings reflected the general populationaccurately, a random sampling method was applied. Key factors such as the aesthetic appeal,relevance, frequency, and interactivity of social media content were specifically identified anddefined. This structured approach laid a robust groundwork for exploring the complex linksbetween visual strategies and consumer behavior. Data evaluation was performed using SPSSsoftware, employing regression analysis to uncover significant correlations between visualcontent strategies and consumer engagement. The study's objectives were to identify whichvariables have the greatest influence on consumers' engagement with visual content displayedon social media and to identify the factors affecting this engagement. The findings highlightthat social media visual content emerged as the most significant factor influencing consumerengagement, followed closely by the emotional appeal of the content. This underscores theeffectiveness of visually compelling and emotionally resonant content in driving consumerinteractions. The authenticity of content and Gen-AI content had a comparatively lower impacton short-term engagement. These insights provide practical advice for enhancing consumerparticipation, improving social media strategies, and strengthening brand-customerrelationships in Sri Lanka's apparel sector. The study advances our understanding of how visualcontent marketing fosters deep connections with consumers in an increasingly digitalmarketplace. The results highlighted the significance of engaging, interactive, and relevantvisual content in attracting consumer attention and promoting brand-consumer interactions.The outcomes provide practical suggestions for companies operating in the Sri Lankan apparelindustry to improve their marketing strategies. To start, brands can enhance consumerinvolvement by producing visually attractive and interactive content that resonates with theirintended audience. In addition, refining social media methods by tailoring content to align withconsumer tastes such as utilizing vibrant images, short video clips, or interactive features canelevate engagement. Lastly, cultivating deeper brand-consumer relationships throughconsistent and emotionally engaging visual content can strengthen customer loyalty and trust.This study offers important insights regarding the rising significance of visual storytelling indigital marketing. It underscores the necessity of using visual content to distinguish oneself ina busy digital environment, particularly on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, andTikTok, where visual attractiveness is crucial. By adopting these approaches, Sri Lankanapparel brands can secure a competitive advantage in both local and global markets,establishing standards for creative marketing techniques.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2024. , p. 73
Keywords [en]
Social media, visual content, content strategies, consumer engagement
National Category
Social Sciences
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-234858OAI: oai:DiVA.org:umu-234858DiVA, id: diva2:1933851
Supervisors
2025-02-032025-02-022025-02-03Bibliographically approved