The Influence of Social Media Marketing on Brand Equity: Evidence from the Fast-Food Industry in Brazil

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of digital marketing adoption on firm performance: a case study of small and medium enterprises in India.
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: The study investigates how social media marketing impacts brand equity in Brazil's fast-food industry. It finds a positive link between effective social media strategies and key brand equity measures like awareness, perceived quality, and loyalty. Brands with robust social media presence tend to enjoy greater visibility and are seen as offering higher quality. Furthermore, these efforts cultivate stronger consumer connections, potentially offering a competitive advantage.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social identity theory, consumer engagement theory & gratifications theory may be used to anchor future studies on the impact of digital marketing adoption on firm performance: a case study of small and medium enterprises in India. Fast-food brands should prioritize measurement and evaluation of social media marketing efforts to assess their impact on brand equity. Government agencies and regulatory bodies in Brazil should collaborate with industry stakeholders to develop guidelines and best practices for social media marketing in the fast-food industry.