2. Literature Review
Influencer marketing has evolved into one of the most effective tools for digital engagement, surpassing traditional marketing methods in terms of consumer trust and ROI [
14]. In 2023, the global influencer marketing industry was valued at
$21.1 billion, more than doubling since 2019 [
15]. This growth reflects a shift in consumer preferences toward peer-endorsed content, with nearly half of social media users making purchases influenced by influencer recommendations [
16]. The effectiveness of influencer marketing lies in its ability to provide authentic, relatable content that resonates more than conventional digital ads, which are often perceived as intrusive [
17].
Compared to traditional digital marketing, such as email campaigns, display ads, and search engine optimization, influencer marketing offers stronger emotional engagement and audience segmentation. While traditional strategies offer broad reach, influencers foster more personalized, trust-based interactions [
18]. According to Beichert et al. [
19], influencer marketing yields up to 11 times higher ROI than banner ads, due to increased click-through rates and higher conversion stemming from influencer credibility. Moreover, brands using micro- and nano-influencers report more loyal followings and niche-targeted results, challenging the one-size-fits-all logic of traditional approaches [
20].
Several emerging trends define the current influencer marketing ecosystem. First, the rise of nano-influencers (under 10,000 followers) provides businesses access to niche markets with highly engaged audiences [
21]. Second, long-term partnerships are replacing one-off collaborations to ensure continuity and trust between influencers and audiences [
22]. Third, content diversification—especially in the form of short videos, livestreams, and behind-the-scenes reels—is improving campaign versatility [
23]. Brands must also manage the balance between authenticity and promotional messaging. Excessively sales-driven content often results in ad fatigue and diminished trust [
24], whereas value-driven storytelling is more likely to cultivate engagement [
25].
As influencer marketing matures, ethical transparency becomes critical. Recent enforcement by regulatory agencies, such as the FTC’s 2024 mandate on disclosing sponsored content, emphasizes the importance of transparency [
26]. Fake endorsements and undisclosed promotions now risk legal consequences, pushing influencers and brands to prioritize authenticity and accurate representation. Additionally, ethical practices influence campaign performance, as studies reveal that perceived honesty in influencer content significantly impacts consumer trust and purchase intention [
27]. Ethical guidelines also vary across regions, suggesting a growing need for international harmonization of digital advertising regulations [
28].
In
Table 1 below, the literature review of the most recent and relevant studies is presented. There, the research gap in the literature can be discerned, as well as, a direct comparison with our study. Based on these findings, the main research objective is settled.
Influencer marketing and online shopping behaviors have emerged as dominant forces shaping consumer decision-making and digital marketing strategies. While existing studies, such as those by Hudders & De Jans [
30] and Li & Peng [
31], have explored aspects like influencer trustworthiness and gender-specific effects, there is limited understanding of how influencer marketing impacts industries or demographics differently. Similarly, works by Aw & Agnihotri [
32] and Cheah et al. [
37] have highlighted challenges like over-endorsement and authenticity but have not sufficiently addressed the interplay between consumer engagement quality and industry-specific marketing effectiveness.
Furthermore, while Zhang et al. [
33] and Sánchez Villegas et al. [
36] have introduced simulation models and multimodal analyses, their practical application remains untested, particularly in real-world shopping behaviors across categories such as health, beauty, and technology. The literature often treats consumers as a homogeneous group, overlooking behavioral and demographic variations that influence satisfaction and loyalty in online shopping, as noted by Lopez-Dawn & Giovanidis [
35].
Additionally, Doshi et al. [
34] and Antoniou [
38] have explored the theoretical implications of transparency and regulatory compliance in influencer marketing, yet these discussions lack empirical evidence to substantiate their impact on consumer trust and long-term engagement. Lastly, there is insufficient exploration of how technological advancements like AI personalization and augmented reality can mitigate concerns about product quality and foster continued online shopping.
The following graphs (
Figure 1) illustrate a bibliometric analysis of the literature on influencer marketing and social media strategies. The visualization highlights the clusters of relationships, key terms, and temporal trends in the field.
The analysis of the keyword co-occurrence figures highlights three key themes shaping influencer marketing research. First, technological advancements, such as algorithm-driven influencer selection, AI-enhanced content strategies, and video-based engagement, are increasingly central to digital marketing [
39,
40]. Second, consumer behavior and engagement dynamics play a pivotal role, as evidenced by the strong connections between brand attitude, social media influencers, and audience response metrics, reinforcing the need for content personalization and interactive consumer experiences [
41,
42]. Lastly, performance-driven influencer marketing strategies emphasize advertising campaigns, product visibility, and dataset-driven optimization, demonstrating the importance of data analytics in measuring influencer impact [
43,
44]. These insights suggest that future influencer marketing success will rely on AI-powered strategies, consumer-centric content, and precise performance tracking to enhance brand engagement and sales conversion. This paper aims to bridge critical gaps, offering deeper insights into the interplay between influencer marketing strategies and consumer behavior.
Therefore, the research objective (RO) of the present research is: “to examine the multidimensional impact of influencer marketing, social media engagement strategies, and online shopping behaviors on consumer satisfaction, loyalty, and purchasing decisions across industries, demographics, and technological contexts”.
This study aims to fill the identified gaps by:
Examining the industry-specific and demographic variations in the effectiveness of influencer marketing activities, moving beyond the generalized findings of prior research.
Exploring the qualitative dimensions of social media engagement strategies, such as authenticity and content quality, and their role in driving consumer satisfaction and loyalty.
Assessing behavioral segmentation in shopping categories (e.g., health, beauty, and technology) to provide actionable insights for marketers in tailoring strategies.
Integrating technological advancements such as AI-driven personalization and virtual try-ons into the analysis of online shopping behaviors, addressing concerns about product quality, and improving satisfaction.
Providing empirical evidence on the dual nature of influencer marketing—both its benefits and challenges—and how it impacts consumer trust, loyalty, and purchase decisions.
By addressing these gaps, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on digital marketing and consumer behavior, offering a nuanced understanding that bridges theoretical concepts with practical applications.
2.1. Social Media and Influencer Marketing
Social media platforms have transformed into powerful mass media channels that enable the dissemination of news and information on an unprecedented scale through user interaction. These platforms allow individuals to stay connected more frequently and intimately than ever before, fostering opportunities for self-education and interaction within an interconnected digital ecosystem [
45]. The evolution of marketing science into “social marketing” highlights the critical role of these platforms in reshaping consumer engagement and promoting business objectives. For businesses to unlock the full potential of social media, they must adopt strategic approaches that emphasize community building, absorptive capacity, and timely implementation of innovative practices [
32].
Social media’s interactive and dynamic environment has revolutionized traditional marketing practices, offering new opportunities for personalized brand promotion and consumer engagement. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube are now indispensable tools in marketing strategies, providing brands with access to large, diverse audiences while enabling real-time communication and content delivery [
30]. These platforms also empower businesses with tools for targeted advertising and data collection, facilitating a deeper understanding of consumer preferences and behaviors. The ability to quickly adapt to trends and deliver tailored content has positioned social media as a cornerstone of modern marketing strategies, enabling brands to maintain a competitive edge in an ever-changing digital landscape [
13].
Influencer marketing, a specialized subset of social media marketing, has become a key strategy for leveraging the credibility and trust influencers have built with their audiences. Influencers, often regarded as opinion leaders in specific niches, bring a level of authenticity that traditional advertisements cannot match. Their endorsements resonate with followers on a personal level, driving higher engagement rates and significantly influencing consumer purchase decisions [
46]. As a result, influencer marketing is increasingly integral to digital marketing efforts, with brands using these partnerships to amplify their reach and foster stronger connections with consumers [
45].
However, influencer marketing is not without its challenges. The rapid evolution of social media platforms has heightened the need for brands and influencers to continuously adapt to remain relevant. Concerns around authenticity, transparency in sponsored content, and influencer over-endorsement have led to growing consumer skepticism [
47]. To address these issues, brands must prioritize transparent and ethical collaborations while investing in innovative strategies that maintain consumer trust and engagement. Continuous research and the integration of advanced analytics are essential to refining influencer marketing campaigns, ensuring their alignment with consumer expectations and sustained effectiveness in the digital marketing landscape [
47].
2.2. Digital Consumers and Purchase Intention
A digital consumer refers to an individual who interacts, engages, and transacts with businesses, products, or services through digital platforms such as websites, mobile apps, and social media. These consumers rely heavily on technology and the internet to access information, compare options, and make purchasing decisions. They are characterized by their constant connectivity, preference for convenience, and ability to influence and be influenced through digital channels [
48].
Digital consumers leverage multiple online tools and platforms, including search engines, social media, and e-commerce sites, to fulfill their needs. They expect personalized, seamless experiences and often prioritize brands that can offer instant access to products, services, and information [
48]. Moreover, their behaviors are shaped by a variety of factors, including online reviews, influencer marketing, and targeted advertising campaigns, making them a dynamic and influential demographic in the digital economy.
Digital marketing has revolutionized consumer engagement, with influencer marketing becoming a cornerstone in shaping purchase intentions. Lee et al. [
49] demonstrate how influencers sway consumer decisions by leveraging their relatability and credibility, particularly in industries like hospitality, where personal experiences matter. This relatability enhances trust and fosters a connection between the consumer and the product, often translating into higher purchase intentions. Furthermore, the digital consumer is increasingly drawn to authentic, engaging content that resonates with their values and lifestyle, which is why influencers are preferred over traditional advertising channels for creating impactful marketing campaigns [
50].
The ability of influencers to create authentic content plays a pivotal role in shaping consumer attitudes and behaviors. Rachmad [
45] highlights how influencers craft content that aligns with audience interests, making marketing messages feel less intrusive and more aligned with the consumer’s identity. This personal touch not only boosts brand awareness but also increases engagement and conversion rates. However, Cheah et al. [
37] warn of potential pitfalls, such as over-endorsement, which can lead to consumer skepticism. To sustain credibility and effectiveness, influencers must maintain transparency and authenticity in their campaigns, ensuring their endorsements align with their audience’s expectations [
51].
While influencer marketing has proven effective, challenges such as influencer fraud and transparency issues threaten its credibility. Antoniou [
38] discusses how unethical practices, including undisclosed sponsorships, can erode consumer trust, ultimately reducing campaign efficacy. The dynamic nature of digital consumer behavior further complicates the landscape, as preferences and engagement patterns shift rapidly. To address these challenges, Campbell & Farrell [
52] suggest that brands must adopt a strategic approach when selecting influencers, focusing on alignment with brand values and audience demographics. This careful selection process is essential to maintain trust and foster meaningful consumer engagement.
As digital consumer behavior evolves, data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming integral to influencer marketing strategies. Aziz et al. [
46] emphasize the importance of leveraging big data analytics to refine influencer partnerships, assess audience engagement, and optimize campaign outcomes. By incorporating advanced metrics such as engagement quality and audience authenticity, brands can make informed decisions and enhance the impact of their campaigns [
53]. These data-driven strategies allow for continuous refinement, ensuring that influencer marketing remains an effective tool in driving purchase intentions in the ever-changing digital landscape.
2.3. Influencer Marketing and the Greek Market
Influencer marketing has gained significant traction in Greece, aligning with global trends that leverage social media personalities to enhance brand engagement. Theocharis & Papaioannou [
54] examined Greek consumers’ responses to influencer marketing, revealing a positive reception and increased purchase intentions when influencers are perceived as authentic and trustworthy. This underscores the importance of selecting influencers whose values align with the brand to effectively penetrate the Greek market.
Greek consumers’ behavior closely aligns with that of Southeastern European consumers, such as those in Spain, Portugal, and Italy, particularly in their engagement with influencer marketing and digital brand interactions. Research indicates that social media-driven purchasing behavior and brand trust play a crucial role in consumer decision-making across these markets. Ruiz-Ariza et al. [
55] found that Spanish and Portuguese consumers demonstrate high engagement with influencers, particularly in lifestyle, fashion, and travel sectors, mirroring the trends observed in Greece [
54]. Similarly, Ingrassia et al. [
56] highlighted that Italian consumers respond more positively to influencer campaigns when authenticity and cultural relatability are emphasized, a factor also critical in Greek consumer engagement [
42].
Furthermore, Tourism marketing studies in Italy and Spain have shown that regional influencers significantly impact travel choices, supporting findings that Greek social media users are influenced by content creators when selecting destinations [
57]. However, Fraculj et al. [
58] and Humprecht et al. [
59] caution that the lack of transparency in sponsorship disclosures is a common concern across Southeastern European markets, reinforcing the need for ethical marketing practices to sustain consumer trust. These parallels suggest that Greek influencer marketing strategies can be effectively adapted to similar Southern European contexts, leveraging authenticity, transparency, and regional cultural relevance for maximum engagement.
In the tourism sector, Chatzigeorgiou [
57] explored the impact of social media influencers on millennials’ behavioral intentions in rural Greek areas. The study found that influencers significantly affect travel decisions, suggesting that tourism marketers can utilize influencer partnerships to promote lesser-known destinations. This strategy not only broadens the appeal of rural tourism but also supports sustainable economic development in these regions.
Despite its potential, influencer marketing in Greece faces challenges, particularly concerning consumer skepticism and the need for transparency. Fraculj et al. [
58] highlighted that undisclosed sponsorships can lead to consumer distrust, diminishing campaign effectiveness. Therefore, adherence to ethical guidelines and transparent disclosure of partnerships are crucial for maintaining consumer trust and maximizing the impact of influencer marketing strategies in the Greek market.
2.4. Research Hypotheses Formulation
For the deployment of the study, five main research hypotheses have been formed. These hypotheses involved specific questions and scales from the questionnaire, as described in the next section. Moreover, these hypotheses are linked to the research objective set at the beginning of the present section.
Recent studies underscore the transformative impact of influencer marketing on customer loyalty and profitability, with evidence suggesting these effects vary across industries and demographics. For example, Cheah et al. [
37] highlight that industries such as fashion and beauty experience stronger loyalty effects due to the emotional connection influencers create with their audiences. However, in technology or financial services, trust and expertise play a more significant role [
31]. Additionally, demographic factors such as age and cultural context significantly moderate the effectiveness of influencer campaigns. Han et al. [
29] found that younger demographics are more responsive to influencer endorsements, particularly on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, whereas older consumers prioritize trust and transparency. This hypothesis aligns with these findings, emphasizing the importance of tailoring influencer marketing strategies to specific industries and demographics to maximize customer loyalty and profitability.
Hypothesis 1 (H1): “Influencer marketing activities enhance customer loyalty and profitability differently across industries or demographics”.
Consistency, authenticity, and engagement quality are critical determinants of effective social media marketing, as noted in recent literature. Aw & Agnihotri [
32] emphasize that consistent posting schedules maintain brand visibility, while authenticity fosters trust and deeper connections with audiences. Moreover, high-quality engagement, such as interactive content and timely responses to comments, enhances consumer perception of the brand [
30]. Brands that maintain these attributes often see increased consumer trust and loyalty, driving purchase intentions. This hypothesis is strongly supported by Cheah et al. [
37], who found that over-endorsement or lack of authenticity can reduce campaign effectiveness, further validating the necessity of authentic and consistent strategies in social media marketing.
Hypothesis 2 (H2): “Consistency, authenticity, and engagement quality significantly influence the effectiveness of social media marketing strategies”.
Influencer marketing has been proven to impact consumer purchasing decisions positively and negatively. Rachmad [
45] notes that authentic endorsements often lead to increased sales by leveraging the influencer’s credibility. However, Antoniou [
38] cautions that consumers are becoming more skeptical of influencer ads, especially when they lack transparency or appear overly commercialized. This skepticism can lead to annoyance and reduced engagement, as noted by Cheah et al. [
37], who identified over-endorsement as a key factor in consumer disinterest. The dual nature of influencer marketing, as outlined in this hypothesis, highlights the need for a balanced approach where influencers maintain authenticity while avoiding saturation of sponsored content.
Hypothesis 3 (H3): “Influencer marketing significantly impacts consumer purchasing decisions, with both positive and negative outcomes such as increased sales and perceived annoyance from ads”.
Recent research demonstrates that consumer satisfaction in online shopping is heavily influenced by product categories and behavioral factors. Sánchez Villegas et al. [
36] highlight that categories such as health and beauty rely on visual and descriptive content to meet consumer expectations, which directly correlates with satisfaction. Additionally, behavioral factors such as frequency of online purchases and prior experiences further shape satisfaction levels [
35]. For instance, consumers with frequent exposure to online ads are more likely to exhibit higher satisfaction in specific categories, such as beauty products, due to familiarity and tailored offers. This hypothesis reflects these findings, emphasizing that understanding consumer behavior is essential for optimizing satisfaction in targeted product categories.
Hypothesis 4 (H4): “Shopping behaviors in specific categories (e.g., health and beauty) influence online satisfaction, moderated by behavioral factors”.
The evolution of online shopping behavior is increasingly driven by concerns, preferences, and technological advancements. Aw & Agnihotri [
32] highlight that concerns such as product quality and data privacy remain significant barriers to consumer adoption. However, preferences for convenience and fast delivery, coupled with advancements like AI-driven personalization, are rapidly transforming online shopping experiences [
37]. Moreover, technologies such as virtual try-ons and augmented reality enhance consumer confidence in making online purchases, particularly in categories like clothing and furniture [
33]. This hypothesis aligns with recent findings, emphasizing that addressing consumer concerns and leveraging technology are crucial for sustaining and growing online shopping behavior.
Hypothesis 5 (H5): “Consumer concerns, preferences, and technological advancements drive the evolution of continued online shopping behavior”.