Apps versus Ads on Your iPad

Advertising Age posted interesting results on iPad user survey regarding advertising. A significant majority (86%) said they'd watch ads to receive free content like TV shows and magazines.

Users actually prefer to watch the advertising instead of downloading app's. I would have to agree. We're used to seeing ads on TV and in magazines. What benefit would an application have to the experience?

I find it's actually easier to view some sites on the web browser (Safari) than the publication's application. The Chicago Tribune is a perfect example. The New York Times app is nice for an abbreviated read of headlines and most e-mailed articles.

It's easy to get caught up in the hype about app's, but basic marketing strategy still applies. What's in it for the customer?

That is what separates the experienced marketers from the tech "wanna-be" marketers. Technology continues to change the face of marketing, but you cannot forget about strategy.

(As a note to last week's post, AdWeek reports that half of Super Bowl watchers watch for the ads. I'm not alone!)

Keeping Your Site Fresh - Yahoo! Example

Online marketers should learn from Yahoo!'s response to their decline in advertising and user experience. They redesigned their site due to diminishing results. From DMnews.com.

Sites need to continue to be relevant to their readers/customers and allow for personalization and integration. Online use changes and sites need to be revamped to take this into consideration. To just "freshen" them may not be enough.

What do your readers/customers want? How has their use changed? For example, a growing segment on Facebook is women 45-69, who now use it to keep up with their children and grandchildren. If you have a Facebook Fan Page, is it integrated with your site?

Can your site be personalized for your customers? It may be time to take a look at what you're offering.