Presentation and Validation of Brand-Customer Communication Model in Social Media Platform: A Case Study: Cosmetics Industry

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to provide a model for Validating and Presenting Brand-Customer Interaction Model in Digital Platform in the Cosmetics Industry.Method: This research was applied in its purpose and utilized a mixed approach (qualitative and quantitative). In this regard, this study was conducted with the aim of presenting and validating the brand-customer interaction model in Instagram Platform. The present study is a descriptive survey in terms of its practical-developmental purpose and data collection method. The statistical population in the qualitative section includes marketing professors and cosmetics industry managers, 20 of whom were selected by purposive sampling. The statistical population in the quantitative section also includes customers of cosmetics and health products, 384 participants were selected using the convenience sampling. The data collection tools were a semi-structured interview and a researcher-made questionnaire. First, thematic analysis method was used to analyze the expert interviews. Next, the identified pattern was validated using partial least squares method. Thematic analysis and partial least squares were done with MaxQDA software and Smart PLS software, respectively.Findings: The criterion to achieve data saturation has been to achieve repetition in extracting codes. 235 codes were identified in the open coding stage. Finally, three overarching themes, eight organizing themes, and 49 basic themes were obtained through axial coding. Based on the structural equation model, the proposed model was fitted and confirmed.Conclusion: Based on the results, effective marketing and digital content marketing are the basic elements of the model, which increase brand recognition and brand identity among customers by increasing interaction with customers. Brand recognition and identity contribute to positive word-of-mouth marketing, which in turn affects brand positioning on Instagram. Finally, in this way, it is possible to create a constructive and interactive brand-customer relationship.

Keywords

• brand-customer interaction
• cosmetics industry
• social media marketing