Ohio-based BIGresearch, among other things, does work looking at how people consume media … particularly how they consume media while doing other stuff at the same time.
The 11th such survey, of some 15,000 people, found people are multi-tasking more than ever.
“Technology is creating new media options faster than most people can assimilate and is causing more multitasking,” said Gary Drenik, President of BIGresearch in a press release. “Unfortunately for marketers faced with the challenges of an uncertain economy and the need to increase marketing ROI, new media options are impacting how consumers use traditional media.
Specifically, TV’s influence on consumers to purchase products declined, whereas new media options such as web radio, satellite radio, instant messaging and blogging all increased. Consumers seem to be seeking information from digital platforms while TV has traditionally been viewed as a brand building medium, which isn’t providing the requisite information,” said Drenik.
This does not mean all traditional media are declining in influence. Media that can target, be timely, and deliver value to consumers, such as coupons/direct mail, radio, yellow pages, newspapers and newspaper inserts all increased in influence to purchase as consumers are looking to stretch budgets in a slowing economy.
He didn’t mention screens in retail and in targeted public environments, but his key points apply.
Other interesting findings:
— Regular simultaneous media consumption for online, newspapers, magazines, radio, TV and direct mail is up from 1% to 35%, depending on the medium.
— Channel surfing remains the #1 regular activity engaged in during TV commercials with 41.2% doing so followed by:
— 33.5% talk with others in the room or by phone
— 30.2% mentally tune out
— 5.5% regularly fully attend to commercials
Think about … 1 in 20 actually stop and watch the ad spots on TV. It kinda shoots down the argument you hear sometimes about in-store media competing for attention while TV at home has viewers locked on.
Also, Top 3 In-Store Promotions for influence of purchasing a product: Product Samples, Shelf Coupons and Special Displays.You can ask for a copy of key findings