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Judging a book by its cover? The role of unconventional appearance on social media influencers effectiveness

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  • Fernandes, Teresa
  • Nettleship, Heather
  • Pinto, Luísa Helena

Abstract

Social media influencers (SMI) have gained undeniable importance as brands endorsers. However, although their credibility can be affected by the way they look, no known studies have applied appearance stereotypes to SMI's perceived attractiveness, trustworthiness, and expertise, particularly when that appearance is unconventional (e.g., use of body tattoos). Therefore, building on extant endorsement research and the Stereotype Content Model (SCM), the study examines how the use of tattoos impacts SMI's credibility, attractiveness, and effectiveness. Based on a sample of 260 young adults, a 2 x 2 x 2 (SMI gender x tattoo x domain) experimental design was conducted. Results indicate a tattoo premium effect, regardless of SMI's domain. By extending the SCM framework to the influencer marketing literature, this study contributes to both research fields, while providing valuable insights to brands and SMI.

Suggested Citation

  • Fernandes, Teresa & Nettleship, Heather & Pinto, Luísa Helena, 2022. "Judging a book by its cover? The role of unconventional appearance on social media influencers effectiveness," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joreco:v:66:y:2022:i:c:s0969698922000108
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2022.102917
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    5. Pangarkar, Aniruddha & Patel, Jayesh & Kumar, Sampath K., 2023. "Drivers of eWOM engagement on social media for luxury consumers: Analysis, implications, and future research directions," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
    6. Xie, Shengcheng & Wei, Haiying & Liu, Fu, 2023. "Is beauty always good? Effects of visual presentation of Influencer’s aesthetic labor on brand purchase intention," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    7. Li, Jian & Huang, Jinsong & Li, Yaqi, 2023. "Examining the effects of authenticity fit and association fit: A digital human avatar endorsement model," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).

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