Identifying the Antecedents and Consequences of Digital Content Marketing Using the Grounded Theory Model (Case Study: Instagram Bloggers)

Abstract

This research was aimed at identifying the antecedents and consequences of digital content marketing using grounded theory model (case study: Instagram bloggers). The statistical population in the qualitative section consisted of experts and knowledgeable people in the field of digital content marketing, especially Instagram bloggers. The sample size in the qualitative section with theoretical saturation (20 people) was estimated using purposeful sampling. The data collection tool in the qualitative part was a semi-structured interview. For validity and reliability of the work the Goba and Lincoln criteria were used, which consist of four more detailed concepts of validity, transferability, verifiability and reliability. MAXQDA software was used for coding. To analyze the data, Strauss and Corbin systematic method was performed with open coding, axial coding and selective coding. After data analysis, the paradigm model or optimal model of digital content marketing was extracted. The results identified 62 core codes, 216 indicators (open coding) and 6 selective coding of which 7 precedents (effective component) including motivation, business intelligence, audience experience, preferences, research and development, creativity, and influencers and 11 consequences (effective component) include competitiveness, communication, audience trust, value creation for the audience, promoting e-learning culture, loyalty and persuasion to buy, brand awareness, brand health, e-marketing effectiveness, word of mouth and engagement embraced. In addition, strategies, contextual factors and barriers to digital content marketing were presented. Therefore, according to the research results, attention to digital content marketing for branding and audience attraction, as well as loyalty to the target audience should be considered by bloggers and people who have online businesses.