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This topic is for my Diploma in Digital Marketing - how consumers use technology and its impact on their lives. I will be briefly looking at:
- Access to the internet
- Digital devices
- Search engines
- Shopping – use of consumer & blogger reviews
- Video consumption
The continual evolution of digital technology since 1965 when the first 2 computers communicated with one another to Apple’s launch of their first smart phone means that consumers and businesses have (and expect) quicker access to each other via the internet.
It is very important for businesses to have an internet presence via a variety of platforms:
- Google – Google Maps, Google My Business, Adwords
- Social Media – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest
- Local Search Guides – Yelp, Trip Advisor,
- and where applicable online booking platforms like: Booking.com, Wotif and others
No longer are digital devices large and cumbersome, who remembers the first cellular phone “The Brick”? It weighed just under 1kg, cost approximately $4,000 and had a half hour talk time per charge.
Today you can purchase a smart phone that will weigh 200 grams, has 21 hours talk time and will act as a camera, video recorder, music player and tv all in one!
Technological advances also mean that our TV’s, fridges, cars and even our vacuum cleaners are all getting smarter too.
The top 4 search engines in February 2018 were:
- Google Chrome
- Baidu
- Bing
- Yahoo
Searching the internet effectively
No matter which search engine you use there are few techniques you can use to narrow down your query for better search results.
Google Chrome & Internet Explorer will allow you to search via the URL Address Bar.
For more specific search results you can use the following tools:
Other search options include:
- Specific Site searches
- Wildcard searches
- Connectivity searches
- Undocumented Google Keywords (We will take a look at these at another time)
The consumer online shopping experience is not only about purchasing but it is also about product, services and company research.
Services Research
Consumers will search for relevant services based on locality, availability and price.
Medical - locality, speciality and availability
Travel – location, price, availability, activities
Trades – availability & pricing
Product/Service Reviews
Consumers place importance on reviews whether it be for a product/service/location/activity and more…
Reviews can be found via Google and other specialty sites like Trip Advisor, Choice and other product comparison sites.
Bloggers are playing a large part in reviews via youtube and their individual blogging websites.
Video platforms like YouTube, Vimeo and Flickr mean the consumer can compare and review products and services online before purchasing leading to - researching online and purchasing offline.
Educational and Tutorial videos are also available online for those who would like to learn more about their DIY projects, crafts, technology and other educational or work themes.
Movies and TV Shows along with their Trailers and other snippets are also popular viewing pass-times.
There are many bloggers on the world wide web who are making money by blogging either product reviews or tutorials on their chosen topics via Video Platforms.
For some this is their sole occupation and for others the income earnt is a bonus.
Technology has advanced dramatically since 1965 leaving many homes able to access their favourite stores in the comfort of their own home.
While I was preparing for this topic: dinner was cooking in the digital slow cooker, my Samsung robot vacuum cleaner was cleaning the floors. (OK Google set alarm for 6 o'clock). How great easy does technology make our lives.
You can view the slideshare presentation HERE
You can view my youtube presentation HERE