The Role Of Digital Marketing Strategies in Building and Sustaining Customer Loyalty in Modern Retail Businesses

Authors

  • Ella Anastasya Sinambela Universitas Sunan Giri Surabaya
  • Siti Nur Halizah Universitas Sunan Giri Surabaya

Keywords:

Digital marketing, customer loyalty, social media, content marketing, online platforms, modern retail, consumer behavior

Abstract

The development of information and communication technology has significantly transformed patterns of interaction between companies and customers, particularly in modern retail business environments. Easy access to various digital communication channels provides opportunities for companies to deliver marketing messages in a more targeted, rapid, and continuous manner. However, these advancements also present challenges, given the intensifying competition and increasingly dynamic customer behavior. This study aims to analyze the influence of digital marketing strategies specifically the use of social media, content marketing, and online platforms on customer loyalty in the modern retail sector. The method employed is a literature review that examines relevant scholarly sources. The findings indicate that the implementation of appropriate digital marketing strategies can foster closer relationships between companies and customers, thereby contributing to increased customer loyalty. The main conclusion of this study is that the effectiveness of digital marketing strategies in building customer loyalty depends largely on the quality of interactions, the relevance of content, and the ease of access provided to customers. This study contributes to the development of modern marketing theory and offers practical guidance for retail businesses in leveraging digital technology to sustain their operations.

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Published

2025-10-28

How to Cite

Sinambela, E. A., & Halizah, S. N. (2025). The Role Of Digital Marketing Strategies in Building and Sustaining Customer Loyalty in Modern Retail Businesses. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 8(2), 18–26. Retrieved from https://ejournalisse.com/index.php/isse/article/view/221

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