After buying something, a customer may be excited enough to tell others about it. The original article suggested offering a share option on the thank-you page. It named Hyves, Facebook and Twitter. Those particular buttons belong to an earlier period, but the moment after a completed order remains interesting. In my Groovy Gadgets shop at the time, I used a prewritten message about an ordered Mighty Wallet Tattoo. That was a 2011 example, not a current feature or proof that customers actually shared the message.
Make sharing a choice
People do not want to disclose every purchase. A gift, medical item or business order may be private. Never publish order details automatically. Let the customer decide whether to share and offer draft text they can change or remove. The option should not interrupt completion of the purchase.
Explain why sharing might help others. A buyer could recommend a useful product, describe an experience or show a creative way to use it. A bare “I bought something” message usually offers friends less value. It may be better to ask for an honest opinion after the customer has received and used the item.
Measure what actually happens
The old article called this free promotion. Sharing does not guarantee sales, and a thank-you page has other jobs: confirmation, delivery information and help. See whether people use the option and whether responses fit what you sell. Keep purchase information clear and offer sharing only when it feels natural to the buyer.
A recommendation from someone you know can matter because that person attaches their own name to it. That is why you should not turn it into an automatic marketing message. A voluntary, honest story is worth more than a prewritten advert.