Seems fitting when thinking about what the internet means to my business. The way I see it (and that's kind of implied when blogging) the web's biggest value is also its biggest deterrent for me. Lot's to find, too much to find. Sure there are tools out there that help you find the things you need in a fast and efficient manner. Sure there are new great communication and self expression avenues that help promote your goods (blogging self reference #2), but doesn't that just confuse things even more for a consumer? If I'm buying something online for example, I'm looking for reviews...but to quote Seinfeld, "Who are these people?". Why do I trust their opinions, when they might not be in the same demographic as me? Shouldn't there be some kind of qualifier to be a critic? How do I know it's not just a competitor flooding message boards with negative comments about their product? How reliable are these critics if they actually take the time to write a review for a product...do you remember ever doing this for anything you bought online? So, who are these people?
Part of me is starting to think that internet marketing is all just a big crap shoot. Almost like speed dating...here are my likes and dislikes, what do you like? Nope, doesn't fit, NEXT! Seems to me that the formula to success is staying as generic as possible without alienating anyone, just teasing them enough to have them give you their phone numbers and bang, I kill 'em with my charms.
I've been doing alot of research on the 'internet consumer' lately and the more I read (and experience) the more I come to the conclusion that
- There are only certain products that sell over the web (maintenance software might not be one of them)
- Long term clients are rare for web-based consumers
- Price is extremely competitive (free is the common motivator)
- You need to play the 'speed-dating game' to get customers
