Author:
Sicilia Maria,Palazón Mariola
Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this study is to provide a better understanding of the virtual communities' phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reports a case study. It explains one of the most successful online strategies developed by a global brand, Coca‐Cola, in Spain.FindingsThis study has shown that a web site can act as a marketing tool to develop a group of loyal consumers around the brand. The strength of the Spanish strategy relies on the creation of a virtual community, which provides functional, social, and experiential values.Originality/valueThe paper analyses the evolution from off‐line communities to virtual communities. A uses and gratification approach is used to explain consumer participation in virtual communities. The paper offers some useful guidelines for the creation and maintenance of a virtual community.
Subject
Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management,Industrial relations
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