Abstract

Purpose - Many companies use the Internet to conduct their business to maintain and acquire their customers. SNS is used as a site where users can create profiles, build personal networks, and then share and exchange information with others. Not only do people use SNS for their self-promotion, but they also promote their services by creating SNS pages. SNS is recognized as a medium for implementing effective advertising strategies and is being used as an important means of promoting the company. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the effect of SNS marketing characteristics of restaurant franchise firms on utilitarian value and hedonic value and examine their effects on purchase intention. Research design, data, and methodology - The data were collected from 20s-60s respondents who have used SNS for restaurant visit using Google survey. A total of 159 responses were collected and used for final analysis. Smart PLS 3.0 was used for the hypothesis test. Results - As a result of an analysis, it was shown that the influence of the playfulness and affordability of information on the utilitarian value had a significant positive effect. Interaction and up-to-date did not have a positive effect on utilitarian value. Interaction, affordability, and up-to-date have no significant positive effects on hedonic value. The playfulness of information has a positive effect on the hedonic value. Both utilitarian value and hedonic value had positive effects on purchase intention. Conclusions - The findings of this study suggest that the SNS marketers of restaurant franchisors should focus on the playfulness, affordability, and up-to-date rather than the interactivity of SNS. In marketing through SNS, the act of presenting the basis of information and enhancing the provision of information through objective criteria makes it possible to experience the practical value of information. It is necessary to develop differentiated contents which cause customers interest and fun and to induce many customers' purchase intent by providing objective and realistic information. In order to increase the customers' repurchase intentions toward the food service business, customers should maximize the hedonic value and practical value felt through information. It should also focus on providing information that customers are receptive to, rather than providing prompt information.