We live in a divided world, and it feels like everything, even buying decisions, are influenced by political beliefs. But there’s some good news! A recent survey found that most buyers don’t let a brand’s stance sway their purchases.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Only 30% have boycotted a brand based on politics in the past year
- 62% of consumers care very little or are neutral about a brand’s civic affiliation
- With the 2024 election approaching, 41% of buyers prefer companies to keep their ideological views private
This means that for most people, quality, price, and customer service are still the top priorities.
Businesses can breathe a sigh of relief. While many have been hesitant to take political stances for fear of alienating customers, these results suggest they can hone in on what they do best: providing exceptional products and services.
Consumers See Through the Noise
The survey also showed that consumers are wise to tactics like “review bombing,” where negative reviews flood a business page due to political reasons, not product quality.
- 44% are aware of “review bombing”
- 34% wouldn’t be swayed by a sudden influx of negative reviews
- 80% of consumers say they’ve never left a review based on a company’s politics
Consumers are savvy and can recognize fake or biased reviews. This means honest, unbiased reviews, about things such as product quality and customer service, will still hold weight.
The Takeaway
While some buyers still base buying decisions on politics, the majority prioritize other factors. Businesses don’t have to walk on eggshells when it comes to political stances. On the other hand, there are certainly buyers who are deeply affected by a company’s political leanings, making it essential for businesses to carefully consider their public image.
In any event, it’s generally best to focus on building trust through excellent products and services.
Looking for more insights on reviews? Read more on our blog here.
