THE IMPACT OF INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA IN STARTING UP BUSINESSES: CASE STUDY OF UK EDUCATION CONSULTANTS LTD

Abstract

Despite the increased use of the internet and social media in developing, emerging, and developed markets, new entrepreneurs are very slow at using these digital technologies to target customers and expand their businesses in the market. The aim of this study was to examine the impacts of the internet and social media in starting up businesses with a focus on United Kingdom Education Consultants Ltd (UKEC). Consumer decision making model was used as the theoretical model to indicate how consumer behaviours are influenced by the internet and social media. The literature review indicates that social media and the internet impact businesses by communicating them across the market and reach as many customers as possible. Exploratory and descriptive research designs were employed to discover new ideas as well as add to the existing literatures. Quantitative research method was employed whereby only quantitative data were gathered. Questionnaire method of data collection was used to gather data from 50 customers of UKEC. The study results indicated that the internet and social media impact starting and expanding businesses.