32 Cause Marketing Statistics Every Ecommerce Marketer Should Know

Written by Lizzie Davey

September 23, 2021

When Ben & Jerry’s posted a Twitter series taking a stand against the storming of the US Capitol, they probably didn’t expect the response they got. Hundreds of thousands of shares and Retweets later, they cemented loyalty from huge amounts of buyers, many of which proclaimed they would only ever buy from Ben & Jerry’s in the future.

This is a prime example of cause marketing in action. The term essentially refers to brands that promote their values and missions that align with societal issues. Instead of simply pushing polished images and focusing on insular marketing campaigns, cause marketing sees brands promoting good causes and sustainable efforts – or, at the very least, clearly shouting about what they believe in.

Why Cause Marketing is On the Rise

It’s no secret that consumers are more tuned into social and environmental issues than ever before. Global warming has touched everyone, and sustainable causes are becoming increasingly common across the globe.

But, while cause marketing has been steadily growing over the past few years, the pandemic accelerated it to unprecedented levels. Brands suddenly had to show understanding and care for their customers, many of whom were struggling with family deaths and job losses. And, brands that were able to show compassion in their marketing campaigns managed to secure the loyalty of consumers in a truly turbulent time.

However, cause marketing goes one step further than simply stating your values and beliefs. It requires you to put your money where your mouth is and actually take action. To help you out, we’ve collected some of the most powerful cause marketing statistics that will open your eyes to just how important this strategy is.

Why Cause Marketing is On the Rise

1. Consumers Seek Out Brands With the Same Values

72% of US shoppers admit it’s more important than ever for the companies they buy from to have the same values as them. On top of this, 76% say supporting companies that are actively addressing global issues helps them feel like they are doing their part. (Source).

2. Purpose-Driven Companies Attract More Buyers

86% of consumers are likely to purchase from purpose-driven companies – even better if those companies have the same beliefs and values as them. (Source).

3. Purpose-Driven Companies Came Out Top in the Pandemic

Consumers have a lot of admiration for cause-driven brands that continued to promote their values throughout the pandemic. In fact, 53% believe purpose-driven companies have fared better throughout Covid-19. (Source).

4. Consumers Expect Brands to Act More Responsible

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, consumers expect more from brands. 70% think that companies will be forced to act more responsibly now. (Source).

5. Cause Marketing Will Lead to Real Change

60% of consumers believe that we’ll start to see real change when brands begin to address social justice issues. Even more (62%) believe cause marketing will help normalize social justice conversations. (Source).

6. Cause Marketing Gives a Competitive Edge

Standing up for what you believe in helps brands stand out. 89% of executives say companies that lead with purpose have a competitive advantage in today’s marketplace. (Source).

7. Brands Should Take the Lead on Change

Consumers are relying on brands to lead the change on important societal issues. 76% believe that CEOs should take responsibility rather than waiting for the government to impose change. (Source).

8. Cause Marketing Can Increase Profits

73% of consumers believe that brands can take action and promote messages that both increase their profits and improve social conditions at the same time. (Source).

9. Brands Need to Take a Stand

Passivity doesn’t cut it with consumers when it comes to important matters. 66% think brands should absolutely take a stand on social and political issues. (Source).

10. How Brands Approach Social Issues Affects Business

The BLM protests saw many brands addressing a social issue for the first time which impacted the way consumers saw them. In fact, 74% of people said the way companies conducted themselves during the protests impacted whether they would do business with them in the future. (Source).

11. Brands That Communicate Their Purpose Are More Attractive

62% of consumers actively want brands to take a stand on issues they’re passionate about, while 64% find brands that actively communicate their purpose more attractive. (Source).

12. Brands Need to Do More Than Make Money

78% of consumers think it’s crucial that brands do more than just make money. They should also have a positive impact on society. (Source).

13. Cause Marketing Must Be Authentic

Cause marketing shouldn’t be implemented as another tactic to attract customers and pretend to “do good”. Consumers are savvier than ever, and 56% think that too many brands are using social issues as a marketing ploy. (Source).

14. Consumers Put Purpose Above Product Satisfaction

It’s not enough to sell high-quality products and services anymore. 66% of consumers will still leave a company (and not return) if it does something wrong or offensive, even if they initially loved the brand. (Source).

15. Genuine Change Leads to Forgiveness

Making mistakes is common and consumers won’t completely turn their back on brands that slip up – but only if they respond in the right way. 88% of consumers are more willing to forgive a brand if it genuinely tries to change, while 73% say they are less likely to cancel a company if it’s purpose-driven. (Source).

16. Purpose Leads to Trust

Trust is key for brands today. And, when consumers think a brand has a strong purpose, they are 4.1 times more likely to trust it. (Source).

17. Consumers Are Quick to Drop Brands They Don’t Trust

Consumers have no hesitations when it comes to stopping buying products from untrustworthy brands. One-third will stop buying if they lost trust, and one-third have already stopped purchasing from their long-time favorite brands in 2019. (Source).

18. Consumers Are More Likely to Purchase From Brands That Take a Social Stand

86% of consumers think brands should take a stand on social issues, with 64% saying they are very likely to make a purchase based on that commitment. (Source).

Conscious Consumerism Statistics for Purpose-Driven Ecommerce Brands

19. Increasing Will Spend on Sustainable Products

One-third of consumers plan to increase the amount they spend on what they consider “for-good” products and services, but 40% are unable to name a socially responsible organization. (Source).

20. Consumers Want Clean and Simple Products

Conscious consumers are on the hunt for products that make their lives easier and that have a positive impact on the environment. 84% prefer brands with products that simplify their lives, while 78% prefer brands that offer clean products. (Source).

21. Health and Wellness is a Top Priority

Consumers are increasingly seeking out brands that focus on health and wellbeing – even more so since the pandemic. In fact, 77% prefer to shop with brands that sell products with health and wellness benefits. (Source)

22. Responsible Brands Are More Attractive

Sustainability is crucial for consumers today, and brands that align with this will generate more custom. 77% of shoppers prefer to buy from brands that are sustainable and environmentally responsible. (Source).

23. Ingredients Make a Huge Difference

An increasing number of consumers place heavy emphasis on the ingredients used in products, and 72% prefer to buy from brands that use organic ingredients. (Source).

Gen Z and Millennial Cause Marketing Statistics

24. Younger Demographics Less Likely to Give Time and Money

People between the ages of 18 and 24 are three times less likely than other generations to want to give their time or money right now. (Source).

25. Brands Can Impact Consumer Attitudes

73% of young people believe that brands have a great deal or some influencer on people’s attitudes toward social issues (source), but only 55% believe business has a positive impact on society (source).

26. Millennials Want to Buy From Brands That Align With Their Beliefs

The vast majority of millennials seek out brands that have the same values as them – 83% say it’s very important that brands align with their beliefs before they commit to making a purchase. (Source).

27. Gen Z Will Research Brand Honesty

A whopping 90% of Gen Z believe companies must act to help social and environmental issues and 75% will actively conduct research to find out if a brand is being honest about where it stands on certain issues. (Source).

28. Millennials Will Pay More For Brands That Give to Charity

71% of millennials said they would happily pay more for a product if some of the proceeds go to charity. (Source).

29. Young People Will Buy Products to Show Support

76% of millennials and Gen Z consumers have purchased or would consider purchasing from a brand to show their support for a specific issue. (Source).

30. Young People Will Stop Buying From a Brand if it Doesn’t Align With Their Values

Millennials and Gen Z consumers have no qualms about leaving a brand that doesn’t support the issues they feel strongly about. 67% have stopped purchasing or would consider doing so if the brand stood for something that didn’t align with their values. (Source).

31. Influencers Are Pivotal in Cause Marketing for Millennials

35% of consumers who follow digital influencers were engaged with a cause due to a recommendation from an influencer. (Source).

32. Gen Z Want Eco-Friendly Products

The younger generation actively wants to buy from sustainable brands. In fact, 64% of Gen Z consumers are willing to pay more for an eco-friendly product. (Source).

Cause Marketing Isn't Just Another Strategy

The main takeaway from these statistics is that cause marketing isn’t a performative strategy that aims to attract new shoppers without substance. Instead, it’s an integral part of who your brand is and what you stand for. When you’re able to voice your beliefs and values, you’ll start to make an impact and connect with customers that truly align with your mission.