Rapid advances in technology have changed everything from health care to communication. Now, as the latest technology becomes more accessible to a broader market, the advertising field is changing, too. Years ago, you could plan your advertising campaign around a few television commercials and print advertisements. And most companies would never have considered spending a sizeable portion of their advertising budget on the Internet. But in 2006, online ad expenditures are expected to reach over $16 billion.
Advertisers who want to reach their target audience and remain competitive in this high-tech world have to change with the times. You need to keep up with emerging technologies, what media types are most popular, and how consumers use what’s available to them.
If you want to stay current and advertise your products and services in ways that reach your target audience on their turf, consider the following forms of emerging media.
1. Blogs
Blog is short for “web log,” online journals that people without any HTML knowledge can create easily from any computer. They are frequently updated and usually include the owner’s thoughts or musings on topics ranging from what’s happening in the news to what they wear to work.
Companies or individuals can keep blogs. Company blogs usually promote products in what is known as an “adverblog.” However, those blogs started by individuals without a commercial affiliation usually have more credibility.
About fifty million people keep blogs. And many different categories exist, including travel, health, and business. Blogs are popular because they provide a concise summary of news and information and give users power by providing information all in one place and on a timely basis. A blog dedicated to heart health, for example, will likely pull information from sources all over the Internet, so someone surfing for heart health information doesn’t have to search several sites for the most up-to-date research about the topic; they can find everything they need on a heart health blog.
As far as advertising on blogs, ads are generally related to the blog topic. That heart health blog could be an excellent place to advertise a health food or exercise product. If you’re interested in advertising on blogs, first look for help from marketing companies that measure hot blog topics and provide market research based on blog content.
2. Podcasts
Podcasts deliver digital audio and video files to a user via the Internet. The name comes from the iPod, but they aren’t just for iPod users. A pod cast is an audio file in MP3 format that a consumer can download to their iPod, MP3 player, or computer. Then the person can listen to it over and over again, share it with friends, and save it on a computer’s hard drive.
Six million people have downloaded podcasts, according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project. And of the twenty-two-million iPod owners, twenty-nine percent have downloaded podcasts.
Podcasts are an emerging media form that will continue to grow, and as this media outlet increases in popularity, the advertising possibilities will grow as well. Viacom, Disney, and Clear Channel all have radio-type podcasts, and even print media outlets use podcasts to broadcast interviews and other audio supplements to their print stories. For example, you can read an issue of a magazine and listen to an interview in its entirety on the magazine’s website.
3. Gaming
Sixty-eight out of 108 million households currently play video and computer games, according to the “Digital Gaming in America” Ziff Davis report of August 2005. Advertisers can reach this market, which is mostly comprised of young males, in two ways.
First, advertisers can use gaming technology to insert their ads in popular games. For example, say you are playing a football video game on your XBOX 360. You’ll see ads placed on the sidelines and on the scoreboard just like you would if you were in a real football stadium or watching a real game on television. Video games are also played online, allowing gamers to compete with opponents in other parts of the world. These games offer many opportunities to place logos and products that a huge audience will see.
Another way to advertise using games is literally to create your own game that the consumer can play online. This is commonly referred to as Advergaming. Many companies, such as Lipton and Mountain Dew, have used this advertising technique. The greatest benefit of these games is that they get people involved in the brand. Game designers create these games to interest a particular target audience, such as young children. Be aware, though, if you’re marketing to kids, to closely monitor the game’s content.
4. Mobile Advertising
Nearly 199 million people in the United States subscribe to mobile phone services. And every phone produced in the last year is capable of accessing the Internet. What does this mean for advertisers? It’s another method for reaching the target audience. People now use mobile phones to search the Internet, play games, and instant message as well as to access sports scores, learn breaking news, and even check out horoscopes.
Mobile advertising presents a great means to reach the high school and college student markets with banner and video ads. Currently, mobile ads are simple and usually text banners. But down the road, as this technology continues to advance, cell phones may be capable of displaying television ads. However, this media outlet is not without limitations. Everything in your ad has to be cleared by the phone company, so you must consider the logistical aspects of placing mobile ads.
The High-Tech Future of Advertising
If you want to remain competitive in the future, technology will be key to your success. You should consider these four, and other new types, of digital media when putting together any advertising strategy, because traditional media outlets just aren’t as effective as they once were. While it’s difficult to predict exactly where the trends are headed, when you keep an eye on new technology, you and your service won’t be left behind.
Merrill Deer
on March 11, 2010
Considerably, the article is in reality the greatest on this notable topic. I harmonize with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your coming updates. Saying thanks will not just be enough, for the phenomenal lucidity in your writing. I will directly grab your rss feed to stay privy of any updates.Good work and much success in your business endeavors!Thank you.
Bibi Beukema
on April 7, 2010
Consider & Have your iPad for No cost! -> http://bit.ly/cFBuis
Cool Games for Girls
on April 15, 2010
That is definitely stunning and really well thought out.Often I do not make posts on post on blogs, but I have to say that this article really forced me to do so. Really excellent bit of wisdom
Willette Faunce
on April 17, 2010
I’ll be back again, thanks for the info.
Cristin Grauberger
on April 18, 2010
You’re making some correct factors in your post and would probably accept most of them.
Novella Beherns
on April 20, 2010
Cool and clean website you have! I have created a new site, if you are interested in DSi Game Torrents you most likely like it! the address is w w w .Games-ISO. c o m. NO registration required
Brent Chernak
on April 28, 2010
Great article, thanks for sharing and I’ve boomarked this page.
Travel Deals to Paris
on May 3, 2010
do you think advertising to children is harmful?
Jeni Dearinger
on May 3, 2010
you mad freak! That’s brilliant!
Travel Deals to Paris
on May 8, 2010
I am currently writing a dissertation on the advertising industry. I am focusing my argument on the issue of modern Britain holding constraints on creativity within the industry. I have a few areas of focus such as political aspect, social issues and morality and also how adaption’s have had to be made to fit in with regulatory watchdogs and commissions.
las vegas
on May 12, 2010
We’re looking at bluetooth advertising as a potential way to promote our company (public transport information) at a number of different venues (stadiums / universities / bus and rail stations). Does anyone have experience of using bluetooth in advertising? And what are your thoughts on it? Advice (both positive and negative) gratefully received!
Brad Delagarza
on May 13, 2010
Valuable information and excellent design you got here! I would like to thank you for sharing your thoughts and time into the stuff you post!! Thumbs up!
Drucilla Pazderski
on May 20, 2010
I would suggest doing content marketing, let me explain…You can get a video professionally created for around $47.00 – 97.00 (30-60 seconds) showing your quality desk drawer slide. You can even prove how easy it is to destruct your competitors and blast it around over 100 internet video sites for as little as $5.00 per site to be done manualy!You can get keyword research done for you professionally, identifying the keyword phrases that will get you a decent amount of search volum, yes with lower competing pages. Thank you for this article! I’ve just found a certainly stunning news source about panda marketing Try it!
Don De
on May 20, 2010
Yeah yeah, i know… i can outsource this video creating job but, i want to do it “in da house” if you know what i mean…
Thank you for your advice and comment!
P.S. – Maybe in the future i will find the time to start creating videos too… thank you all, so don’t be worried…
custom lingerie
on May 20, 2010
The posts you have on your site are always so enjoyable to read. I also like how you have your website designed. Good work and I will be returning often.
Don De
on May 21, 2010
Thank you!
cccleaner cnet
on May 22, 2010
Hey, awesome site! Keep it up! I will be difinatley be coming back in the near future =)
Ute Berges
on June 4, 2010
The blog was absolutely fantastic! Lots of great information and inspiration, both of which we all need!
Don De
on June 4, 2010
Thank you, thank you so much for your apreciation!
Lemuel Ciraco
on June 14, 2010
not too shabby, thanks
Douglass Guadarrama
on June 17, 2010
I have to state, you chose your words well. The ideas you wrote on your encounters are well placed. This is an incredible blog!
Seth
on June 18, 2010
Thank you for the excellent info, It was just what I was looking for, and very helpful.
Dirk Del
on June 19, 2010
You wouldn¡¯t believe it but I¡¯ve wasted all day digging for some articles about this. You¡¯re a lifesaver, it was an excellent read and has helped me out to no end. Cheers,
Computer Repair denver
on June 19, 2010
What a gem! I found this place on Google poking around for something totally unrelated- now I’m going to need to read through all the archives. So long my free time this morning, but this was a truly great find!
Don De
on June 19, 2010
Thank you !
Domain Parking
on June 24, 2010
I agree with much of what peoples comments are that I am reading here.
Don De
on June 24, 2010
Thank you very, very much!
Chau Walkers
on June 27, 2010
I admire ur job!
Don De
on June 27, 2010
Thank you Chau!
Kasha Scotts
on June 27, 2010
I have to state, you chose your words well. The ideas you wrote on your encounters are well placed. This is an incredible blog!
Avatar
on June 28, 2010
Nice site look =) my eyes love it
Don De
on June 28, 2010
Thank you Avatar!
get backlinks
on June 29, 2010
I love your website! did you create this yourself or did you outsource it? Im looking for a blog design thats similar so thats the only reason I’m asking. Either way keep up the nice work I was impressed with your content really..
Don De
on June 29, 2010
Thank you backlinks, actually i did not totally create the design myself but rather i’d customize it the way i liked it…
Thank you for the question backlinks!
Daron Forkner
on July 7, 2010
Meanwhile I’m the exact opposite to most people at commenting and will comment if I have the tiniest little thing to say, probably cos I started commenting with TwentyMajor’s blog that almost instantly goes off topic.
My Wordpress Journey
on July 11, 2010
This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher!
Santa Vangrouw
on July 13, 2010
howdy there, i just saw your site on yahoo, and i must tell that you write awesomely good via your blog. i am truly motivated by the method that you write, and the message is excellent. in any event, i would also love to acknowledge whether you would like to exchange links with my site? i will be more than happy to reciprocate and drop your link off in the link section. anticipating for your reply, thanks and cheers!
sia licence
on July 22, 2010
I have read couple of articles on your blog and could say it was really interesting, thanks for sharing that.
Mara Castles
on July 25, 2010
Finally, an excellent web site that isn’t in my face planning to usually advertise me anything. Appreciate it, please keep up the good work.