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Internet Advertising: Who advertises on the web? 

Internet Advertising: How would I benefit from advertising on the internet?

Internet advertising is not as simple as buying a 6” x 10” print ad or 30 second commercial on the radio. In fact, what many companies are currently doing on the World Wide Web should not even be considered Internet advertising. Some experts have actually referred to this as customer communications. The Internet has been found to be really good at providing information quickly and inexpensively to potential customers.  All you have to do is get them to look there. 

So who's out there providing Internet advertising? Companies large and small, as diverse as the countries they originate from are currently using Internet advertising. Some companies operate nothing more then bulletin boards or places to provide and collect information about a company's products, services and operations.  The most successful Internet advertisers engage in electronic commerce, offering opportunities to place orders online.

Who is Internet advertising directed toward?

There is an enormous market of individuals online browsing for information and surfing in pursuit of hobbies and for entertainment.  Most users pursue information on specific topics and interests, and may pursue these interests through the use of chat groups, subject searches and by looking at personal and business web pages. 

Internet advertising is directed toward users as diverse as people interested in growing wildflowers to information on modern medical technology. Virtually any topic of interest is represented on the Internet.  However, some have much more commercial interest than others and are represented to a much greater degree.  Products are provided as well as goods and services. 

Internet advertising has brought about the advent of huge product markets such as with online books.  Amazon.com is totally a product of the Internet age.  Goods are also displayed in online shopping malls and sites all over the Web.  As you well know, many products are easily purchased merely with the provision of credit card information and filling out basic personal information requests.  While most web sites are more focused on the free exchange of information, many have taken the lead and conduct major business exchanges over the Internet, while others have combined free information along with various revenue producing opportunities. 

Service industries have also begun utilizing Internet advertising to a great extent.  Some of the major services represented are banks, mortgage loan companies, investment companies, and professional services such as attorneys, doctors and mental-health clinicians. 

Many companies are also incorporating surveys, and providing contact information into their Internet advertising. Frequently this enhances communications with companies who allow opportunities to e-mail messages at any time of the day, with most attempting to respond within 24 hours.  There are few media opportunities to connect with customers as quickly, easily and personally as on the Internet. 

As a psychologist and business person (See www.psychtreatment.com ), I have increasingly found Internet advertising to be an excellent, cost-effective way to advertise, collect and provide information. My personal perspective of its use and cost-effectiveness will be provided on another page of this website.

Information from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Marketing Basics

By Paul Susic MA Licensed Psychologist  Ph.D. Candidate President/CEO Susic Psychological Consulting P.C.