Effective Measure reported today that 40% of Internet users in Middle East North Africa (MENA) surveyed indicated that they would spread the word when they are pleased or upset to as many people as possible - highlighting the potential to use Internet users to drive e-Commerce growth through word of mouth. 

Effective Measure Regional Director, MENA, Dinesh Arasaratnam, said, "With the Internet serving as the world's largest marketplace, positive word of mouth from satisfied consumers can add value and credibility to an emerging digital economy.

"With potentially 40% of over 84 million MENA Internet users keen to share product and service experiences via blogs, forums and social media, online businesses should explore using customers' feedback and endorsements as a marketing push.

"Digital word of mouth can potentially generate more sales than traditional advertising with almost 80% of survey respondents indicating that they browse the Internet daily. This data showcases the significant influence that the Internet has grown to become in this emerging market.

"The time is ripe for online retailers, as well as brick and mortar businesses, to tap into the voices of MENA's Internet users to grow e-Commerce opportunities across the region," concluded Arasaratnam.