Social Media Advertising Influence on Users' Responses

Abstract

This research aims to extend the knowledge of social media advertising by providing a deep understanding of the elements of social networking sites advertising (SNS ad) effectiveness that help create favorable users' responses via their attitude toward empathy expression in the Egyptian context. Qualitative research was developed. Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted which were analyzed by using thematic analysis. Findings indicate that the crucial elements that generate an effective SNS ad in Egypt particularly on Facebook are the advertising creativity and simplicity, followed by the advertising entertainment specifically the emotional appeal of joy, the interactivity, the clear information, and the trustworthiness derived from users' generated content. These elements influence on users' attitude toward empathy expression and lead to favorable users' responses. Additionally, it has been found that brand loyalty plays a vital role on influencing users' responses. Based on these findings, this research offers implications and proposes further research directions.