Pengaruh Brand Image dan Viral Marketing terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Produk Mixue

This study aims to analyze the effect of brand image and viral marketing on purchasing decisions of Mixue products among students of the Business Administration Department at Politeknik Negeri Medan. Mixue is one of the contemporary beverage brands that has experienced rapid growth among university students. This popularity is inseparable from the strong brand image it has built and the viral marketing strategy carried out through social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, which successfully attract the attention of the younger generation. The research employed a quantitative approach by collecting numerical data supported with explanatory analysis. Data were obtained through questionnaires distributed to 93 respondents selected using purposive sampling, with specific criteria, namely students who had purchased Mixue products. The data were analyzed using a series of statistical tests, including validity test, reliability test, multiple linear regression, classical assumption test, t-test, F-test, and coefficient of determination (R²), with the assistance of SPSS version 27. The results indicate that, partially, brand image has a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions of Mixue products among Business Administration students at Politeknik Negeri Medan. Viral marketing also shows a positive and significant partial effect on purchasing decisions. Simultaneously, both brand image and viral marketing have a positive and significant influence on purchasing decisions. These findings highlight the importance of brand perception and digital marketing strategies in shaping consumer behavior, particularly among young generations who are actively engaged with social media platforms.