Research Proves Users Seek Online Advertising

Nielsen Online & Webvisible conducted a survey polling nearly 4,000 people in the U.S. asking about their habits and methods in finding local businesses. Their results revealed a considerable disconnect between the way consumers look for local business and the way business owners are advertising.  I always like to share stats when I find those that apply to online sales.  Overall sales people fail to embrace these stats and use them as ammunition in the field.

* 60% of consumers and small business owners turn to the Internet first for information about local companies*
* 82% of consumers who search online follow up with offline action*
* Only 44% of small businesses have a website, and 50% of those spend less than 10% of their marketing budget online*

With advertising coming from every direction, consumers today feel inundated with all the advertising and they value relevance.  This is the core of the reason that banner advertising works on niche magazine web sites!

Remember, a potential advertiser will only believe as much about your product as you believe.  No more.  So embrace the fact that banner advertising works in the world of niche publishing and sell it with passion.

*Source: Great Divide Separates Small Biz, Online Consumers; WebVisible and Nielson