Teen’s Take: Can a blog influence my buying?

Apr 5, 2007 by Kayla Wolfrom | E-commerce

This week’s question comes from Graywolf (cool name BTW) – he asks:

What do you think about sites such as Styledash.com? What are your initial impressions? Would you buy from it? What do you think of a site like this? What would it take for someone you didn’t know to influence your buying decisions online?

Styledash Homepage

My first impression of Styledash.com was that I could read the same material in a magazine. From the gossip articles to the latest fashion styles, it all seemed too familiar. On the home page there was a little article about Lindsay Lohan being drunk and going into rehab once again. This article went on to talk about how she was opening a fashion bar in NYC, but all of it reminded me of something someone would read in “People.” The other articles had to do with other fashions from different countries and news about designers splitting or collaborating. Once I thought about this site more, I figured that this site would be good for people who don’t read magazines and who prefer to read everything online.

Styledash Product

After seeing the homepage, I wanted to check out what kinds of things I could buy from this site so I clicked on one of the category links. I liked how there were little paragraphs giving fashion advice about each of the products, and then told you about the product instead of just giving you a picture and a price. It was also nice that the certain categories listed celebrity styles and new trends according to what you clicked on. Although that’s pretty much what any magazine would do.

I think I would be able to find something on this site to buy because I love to shop and get new things. But this site doesn’t “wow” me that much. There are some nice clothes, accessories, and fashion advice, but I don’t really have the need to use a site like this. I think the only reason I would come back to this site would be if I needed fashion advice or if I didn’t have a magazine with me to read. ;) I think this kind of site would reach out to adults more then teens. Many teens including myself already have our online shopping sites that we are familiar with. For example I like:

Delia’s

Forever21.com

American Eagle - AE.com

These sites are appealing to me because its the actual store, the products that they have are my style, and searching for something that I want is easy to do (unlike Styledash where you have to click on links a couple times and scroll down the pages more.)

For someone to influence my buying decisions they would have to be truthful about their products. For example if I buy a high quality shirt or hoodie and the first day I wear it the zipper breaks, or a button pops off I won’t be too thrilled. No one likes a shady seller! The person that will be influencing me should know the facts about the products and all of my questions should be answered easily through the site or an actual person. No one should be sent on a wild goose chase to just find a pair of jeans.

I don’t know if someone that I didn’t know at all could persuade me to buy something online. I think I would have had to at least heard of them or what they’ve done. Like if they are the editor if a magazine then I might listen to what they have to say about a product. Or if they were a fashion designer and I’ve heard of their clothes. I guess if I started reading a blog regularly and liked the author’s style I might buy something based on a recommendation after a while.

So, even though this site didn’t appeal to me that much, it did give some good tips. I’m certain that this type of site is better for an adult crowd but not so much for teens. Thanks for reading.

** Editor’s note: Want to get your questions answered by Kayla and be featured on 10e20? If so please send them in via our contact form and be as detailed as possible.

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6 Responses to “Teen’s Take: Can a blog influence my buying?”

  1. graywolf on April 5th, 2007 6:50 pm

    Hey Kayla thanks. I’m curious about you feeling you could get the same information from a magazine like people. Do you feel a site has to have unique info to “work” online or do you just prefer the magazine format?

  2. Danielle Lanzillo on April 5th, 2007 8:32 pm

    I love that she says older people would find the site appealing, because it’s one of my favorites!

  3. Chris Winfield on April 6th, 2007 7:32 am

    I guess its all relative – because neither of you are that old :)

  4. Kayla Wolfrom on April 6th, 2007 8:22 am

    I think a site like Styledash should have unique info because sooo many magazines these days have the same kind of gossip. Also I think it would be refreshing to have out of the norm information on these kinds of sites, because no one wants to read yesterday’s gossip. I don’t really prefer magazines formats, i just don’t see why a site like styledash has to have the same information as people or any other gossip magazine. Thanks for the comments! :)

  5. Mexabet on April 7th, 2009 9:27 am

    First, styledash uses a redirection to stylelist.com/blog. I don't think I will likely buy anything from such a site. It takes power of conviction for someone I don't know to influence my buying decisions online.

  6. TeenDad on August 11th, 2009 8:58 pm

    I’m now 19 and experiencing being a dad. I must say although it feels good it’s still hard. I knew it wouldn’t be easy but to be honest, the hard part is having to balance time. My daughter is great and makes managing her never dreadful. -Teen dad

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