The Influence of Digital Communication Strategies on Consumer Purchase Intention Among SMEs on Instagram
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56480/jln.v6i2.82Keywords:
Digital Communication Strategy, Purchase Intention, Instagram, SMEs, Social Media MarketingAbstract
The rapid growth of digital technology has transformed business communication practices, particularly among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) utilizing social media platforms such as Instagram. This study aims to examine the influence of digital communication strategies on consumer purchase intention among SMEs operating on Instagram. Using a qualitative descriptive approach through a literature review method, this study analyzes previous research, academic literature, and digital marketing practices related to communication strategies, consumer behavior, and social media marketing. The findings indicate that effective digital communication strategies, including attractive visual content, persuasive messaging, audience engagement, content consistency, and interactive communication, significantly contribute to increasing consumer purchase intention. Instagram features such as Stories, Reels, Live Streaming, and Direct Messages provide opportunities for SMEs to establish stronger relationships with consumers and enhance brand awareness. Furthermore, the application of the AIDA model and persuasion theory demonstrates how communication strategies can influence consumer decision-making processes from attention to purchasing action. The study concludes that digital communication strategies play a crucial role in influencing consumer attitudes, strengthening trust, and encouraging purchase intentions in digital business environments. The findings provide practical insights for SMEs seeking to optimize communication effectiveness and improve marketing performance through social media platforms.
References
Ahmad, S. Z., Abu Bakar, A. R., & Ahmad, N. (2019). Social media adoption and its impact on firm performance: the case of the UAE SMEs. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 25(1), 84-111. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-08-2017-0299
Alalwan, A. A., Rana, N. P., Dwivedi, Y. K., & Algharabat, R. (2017). Social media in marketing: A review and analysis of the existing literature. Telematics and Informatics, 34(7), 1177-1190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tele.2017.05.008
Ananda, S. A., Hernández-García, Á., & Lamberti, L. (2016). N-Relational social media marketing strategy: Conceptualization and empirical validation in the SME context. Computers in Human Behavior, 55, 571-582. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.09.045
Appiah, D., Osei, B. A., & Sarpong, F. A. (2024). Visual storytelling on Instagram and its impact on consumer-based brand equity for small businesses. Journal of Digital & Social Media Marketing, 11(4), 342-356. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41262-024-00351-x
Argenti, P. A. (2022). Corporate Communication. Corporate Communication.
Balakrishnan, B. K., Dahnil, M. I., & Wong, W. J. (2016). The impact of social media marketing medium toward purchase intention and brand equity in SMEs. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 219, 106-114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2016.05.091
Carlson, J., Rahman, M., Voola, R., & De Vries, N. (2018). Customer engagement behaviours in social media: Capturing innovation opportunities. Journal of Services Marketing, 32(1), 83-94. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSM-02-2017-0059
Chatrudee, S., & Haron, H. (2023). The AIDA model in the digital era: How Instagram Reels and Stories drive purchase intention among Gen Z. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 47(3), 1102-1118. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcs.12901
Cheung, M. L., Pires, G. D., & Rosenberger, P. J. (2020). The influence of social media marketing on consumer-based brand equity: The mediate role of consumer engagement. Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing, 14(2), 129-147. https://doi.org/10.1108/JRIM-05-2019-0083
Coombs, W. T. (2022). Ongoing Crisis Communication: Planning, Managing, and Responding. Sage Publications.
Cornelissen, J. (2020). Corporate Communication: A Guide to Theory and Practice. Sage Publication.
De Vries, L., Gensler, S., & Leeflang, P. S. (2017). Effects of traditional and social messages on brand awareness and purchase intention. Journal of Marketing Management, 33(15-16), 1301-1324. https://doi.org/10.1080/0267257X.2017.1383214
Djafarova, E., & Bowes, T. (2021). ‘Instagram Made Me Buy It’: Generation Z impulse purchases in fashion industry. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 59, 102345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2020.102345
Eggers, F., Niemand, T., Kraus, S., & Breier, M. (2020). Developing a scale for entrepreneurial marketing in SMEs. Journal of Business Research, 113, 310-318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.06.027
Gvili, Y., & Levy, S. (2018). Consumer engagement with social media advertising: An AIDA framework approach. Journal of Advertising Research, 58(2), 180-194. https://doi.org/10.2501/JAR-2018-012
Habibi, M. R., Laroche, M., & Richard, M. O. (2016). Testing an extended model of consumer purchase intention in social media-based brand communities. International Journal of Information Management, 36(5), 627-638. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2016.03.011
Hollebeek, L. D. (2019). Digital Content Marketing's Role in Fostering Consumer Engagement. Journal of Interactive Marketing.
Hussain, S., Song, X., & Wang, B. (2022). Visual communication on Instagram: How structural consistency and interactive features promote user engagement for micro-enterprises. Information Technology & People, 35(8), 221-245. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-04-2021-0291
Jacobson, J., Gruzd, A., & Ángel-Hernández, Á. (2020). Social media marketing: Who is watching the SMEs? Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 53, 101974. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2019.101974
Kamboj, S., Sarmah, B., Gupta, S., & Dwivedi, Y. (2018). Examining branding co-creation in brand communities on social media: Applying Relationship Marketing Theory. Computers in Human Behavior, 84, 169-178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2018.02.015
Karampela, M., O'Cass, A., & Siahtiri, V. (2020). B2B SME brand outcomes: The role of communication strategy and marketing capabilities. Industrial Marketing Management, 89, 532-544. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2020.03.014
Kim, A. J., & Johnson, K. K. (2016). Power of consumers using social media: Examining the influences of brand-related user-generated content on purchase intentions. Computers in Human Behavior, 58, 98-108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.12.047
Kumar, V., & Singh, R. (2025). The evolution of interactive communication on social commerce: Integrating AI and social proof in SME marketing. International Journal of Information Management Data Insights, 5(1), 100281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jjimei.2024.100281
Li, F., Larimo, J., & Leonidou, L. C. (2021). Social media marketing strategy: Definition, conceptualization, and taxonomy. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 49(1), 51-70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11747-020-00733-z
Lin, H. C., Bruning, P. F., & Swarna, H. (2023). Using AIDA model to evaluate the effectiveness of Instagram marketing strategies for small business retailers. Journal of Interactive Advertising, 23(1), 45-59. https://doi.org/10.1080/15252019.2022.2151120
Macarthy, A. (2021). The impact of Instagram Live and Stories on relationship marketing for retail SMEs. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 28(5), 712-729. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-01-2021-0023
Men, L. R. (2023). Public Engagement with Organizations on Social Media. Public Relations Review.
Naeem, M. (2020). Do social media platforms develop consumer panic buying during severe health crisis? Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 57, 102220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2020.102220
Philip Kotler, K. L. (2022). Marketing Management (16th Edition). Pearson.
Qalati, S. A., Yuan, L. W., Khan, M. A., & Anwar, F. (2021). A mediated model on the adoption of social media marketing by SMEs and its performance. Technology in Society, 64, 101513. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2020.101513
Santoro, G., Bresciani, S., & Papa, A. (2020). Collaborative modes with customers: The role of social media in SMEs’ brand co-creation. Business Process Management Journal, 26(4), 801-817. https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-09-2019-0381
Shareef, M. A., Mukerji, B., Dwivedi, Y. K., Rana, N. P., & Islam, R. (2019). Social media marketing: Comparative effect of advertisement sources. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 46, 58-69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2017.11.001
Tajvidi, M., & Karami, A. (2021). The effect of social media on firm performance: An empirical study on UK SMEs. Computers in Human Behavior, 115, 105174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2017.09.026
Teng, S., Khong, K. W., & Goh, W. W. (2018). Persuasive communication in social media: Analyzing the effects of message framing on consumer attitude and purchase intention. Journal of Marketing Communications, 24(7), 681-701. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527266.2017.1319200
Trainor, K. J. (2014). Social Media Technology Usage and Customer Relationship Performance. Journal of Business Research.
Tuten, T. L. (2023). Social Media Marketing. Sage Publications.
Voorveld, H. A., van Noort, G., Muntinga, D. G., & Bronner, F. (2018). Engagement with social media and outcomes of social media advertising: A comparison of eight platforms. Journal of Advertising, 47(1), 58-80. https://doi.org/10.1080/00913367.2017.1405753
Wang, Y. &. (2017). The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Building Corporate Reputation. International Journal of Hospitality Management.
Wang, Z., & Kim, H. G. (2017). Can social media marketing improve customer relationship capabilities and firm performance? Dynamic capability perspective. Journal of Interactive Marketing, 39, 15-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intmar.2017.02.004
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2026 R.Aj Rizqia Anisa Putri, Muhammad Doni Al Rafly Tanjung, Rio Kurniawan (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
