MARKETING EXPOSED

Trust for buying decisions comes down heavily in favor of other people.  Not exactly a shocking revelation.  However, what may surprise you is the level of trust still generated from key forms of traditional and online advertising! 

This from the just released Nielsen Global Online Consumer survey, which gauged responses from 25,000 people worldwide.

Word of mouth rocks, to be sure.  And that’s going to continue to raise the level of opportunity to be gained by being active on social media – where you can benefit from “word of mouth”, often between people who’ve never met face to face.

But it remains incredibly important to continue to consistently communicate clear and specific messages to the masses as well.  Something that offers even greater benefits in tight economic times, where trust takes a higher level of importance.

Key Points

Brand websites carry just as much weight as posted opinions from other people online.  Doesn’t that indicate the incredible importance on designing your website?  Don’t go on the cheap with something that carries such power to reinforce or even sway decisions!

Television, print, outdoor, and radio all still maintain a strong degree of influence.  Yes, the good ole traditional mass marketing media.  It’s reaching the many, many consumers who, despite the current mega buzz, still aren’t all that active in social media arenas.  And to those that are, traditional reinforces your identity before a word of mouth recommendation comes up.  Which puts additional credibility on that referral.

The investment in social media is primarily time.  And that can have a nice sounding ring to it when your belt has to be tight.  But don’t neglect the influence and reach of traditional media.  Just be sure you stick with simple, specific, clearly communicated messages that help you stand apart.

What do you think?

- Steve

Photo credit: vox_efx