Back Digital Tips for 2008

Digital, digital, digital.

You've probably heard it a million and one times before... This is the digital age. We are the digital generation. Digital is the future. Yes, we all know this. But what exactly does this mean? We look at what's changed in the digital space, what impact this has on tomorrow's consumer and what we should look at to deal with this.

Digital is a fast paced, online world that is constantly changing, progressing and developing. In the past 12 months we've quickly seen that the internet now isn't just a place you go to for a read - it's a medium that has become highly interactive, engaging, two-way and sticky. Digital means business, and below are some stats we thought packed some punch and truly highlighted that digital is a force to be reckoned with:

• Australians have embraced social networking with a passion. MySpace registrations average about 5000 per day, Google is used more than ever and videos are posted on YouTube in record numbers
• Online advertising revenue grew by an impressive 42% to reach $1.445 billion
• Google, Sensis, Fairfax Digital, Seek and Ninemsn are the top 5 online advertising publisher, earning more than $100 million a year each in revenue from the internet
• MySpace has 5 million registered users in Australia, and Facebook was quickly banned from many offices due to fear of "time wastage"
• Google Australia earned revenue of $389 million last year
• Australians logged onto overseas content more than ever before

In this time of growing digital domination, there is no denying that this will have a distinct impact on consumers, their expectations and what they will be like as tomorrow's customers. A report recently complied by two of Australia's leading marketing services have outlined exactly what they predict we will be in store for. Basically, the customer of tomorrow will:

• Demand more "me" time
• Perceive virtual to be real
• Need instant gratification
• See mobility and convenience as key
• Value personal creativity

So, our top 5 tips moving forward...

1. Strategy is essential - set a clear path, measure and optimise
2. Online is in-store - make your website more than just a place to research and facilitate purchasing here and now
3. Make social networking part of your social fabric - use it as a marketing and communication tool
4. Create a virtual world - you will gain more credence, build your brand and retain customers
5. Widget-ise it - widgets are turning mainstream and are a valuable marketing tool

Digital is here and consumers are a-changing - don't say we didn't warn you!