Doesnt it seem like every day there is some new technology affecting the way people communicate with each other? Blogs, Text Messaging, RSS Feeds, Podcasts, and other emerging technologies are coming at us fast and furiously, which can be overwhelming at first glance. But upon further inspection, all of these new technologies are really good news for small businesses! For the first time ever, consumers are shaping how they want to hear messages from companies large and small. In the past, companies have relied on tried-and-true advertising methods such as TV ads, newspaper and magazine print ads, radio ads, and billboards, all of which are expensive and beyond the budgets of most small businesses. Studies are now reporting that these traditional forms of advertising are increasingly ineffective with todays consumers, who are already empowered by technology. They often prefer newer ways of receiving content such as the web, wireless devices, cell phones, etc. So how is this good news for small businesses? Because using new technology to reach a small business audience is not only effective, it is also quite inexpensive compared with more traditional forms of advertising. Todays consumers are typically comfortable with technology, and have an expectation that information will be molded and delivered to fit their needs and preferences. Small businesses can take advantage of this trend by using web marketing, online shopping, blogs, text messaging, or any combination of new methods currently available for delivering content to customers and potential customers. Using emerging technologies is effective, its inexpensive, and after all -- thats good news for small businesses! |
