<P> One of the major challenges of social commerce has been linking social media marketing to actual sales . There are some extremely encouraging statistics about brand engagement and in - store purchases, but marketers seeking to shorten the sales cycle have preferred customers click on a product link . </P> <P> In 2014, however, in - stream purchases will make social ROI even more immediate . Companies like Starbucks have enabled users to buy items without ever leaving the platform--in this case, customers can "tweet - a-coffee" with a tweet that sends a friend a $5 Starbucks gift card . Recently, Twitter and Stripe have finalized a deal that would allow widespread purchases made directly on the social network . </P> <P> Facebook, however, is still the heavyweight of social commerce . The variety of posts allowed--text status, photo, video, offer, event--allows big brands and small businesses alike to connect meaningfully with their fans . In fact, an emergent trend finds "mompreneurs" running million - dollar businesses out of their homes by selling on Facebook . These Facebook auctions ask customers to comment on photos to buy; apps like Soldsie simplify the process of selling on Facebook by automating invoices and tracking inventory . </P> <P> Storytelling and native advertising </P>

Where would you likely find commerce taking place