Leveraging Big Data Analytics for Understanding Consumer Behavior in Digital Marketing: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The integration of big data analytics in digital marketing has fundamentally transformed how organizations understand and influence consumer behavior. This systematic review explores the potential of big data to offer deep insights into consumer preferences and behaviors. The current literature on big data and consumer behavior showcases its potential in enhancing marketing and customer experiences. However, significant gaps exist, such as longitudinal studies on how continuous big data–driven personalization affects consumer trust and loyalty over time. Addressing these gaps will advance academic understanding and offer practical insights for optimizing marketing strategies and improving customer experiences ethically. Focusing on these areas will contribute to a holistic view of big data’s responsible use in digital marketing. By utilizing large datasets, businesses can now tailor their marketing strategies to individual consumers, enhancing customer satisfaction and engagement. Adopting the PRISMA methodology, this review synthesizes recent literature to evaluate the benefits of big data in digital marketing. The research was conducted through a rigorous five-stage process, encompassing the identification of key research questions, database searches, and the critical analysis of selected articles: (1) defining the initial topic, (2) developing the appropriate research questions, (3) identifying the necessary keywords, (4) identifying and searching databases, and finally (5) accessing and reading the articles. The databases that were searched were as follows: Scopus, Web of Science, Emerald Insight, Springer Link, and ScienceDirect. The articles that were selected were 19, in a total sum of 265 identified articles. The findings consolidate current knowledge on how big data analytics can optimize marketing strategies and consumer experiences. Ultimately, this review underscores the transformative potential of big data in digital marketing, highlighting its role in enhancing customer insights and driving more effective marketing strategies.