Turning To Online Sources For Information

I was reading a report on a recent study by PEW Research Center, the 2008 biennial news consumption survey. While there were no huge surprises, I did learn a few interesting things.

According to the survey, 36 percent of respondents preferred to get some or all of their information from online sources. Print media continues to decline, Internet resources are rising, and television is remaining fairly constant.

The study then divided up the population into groups based on how they receive their news.

The oldest population prefers traditional methods; the 35 and under group is moving towards online methods only. Online news gathers are more affluent, better educated, and have an 8 in 10 chance of having attended college. Fewer than half of this growing crowd watch television on a typical day.

Who is your target audience?

I constantly work with small business owners who set their target market towards the affluent crowd. If you’re not providing quality information online in a timely manner, how will you be reaching your target audience?

The affluent buyer is online many hours per day. They understand search, and can quickly find answers to their questions by doing a few searches. If you’re not there, they won’t find you.