Social Search Engines: A New Way to Search

With the rise of the Internet came an opportunity for advertisers to reach audiences via a new vehicle. Then the rise of the search engines gave a different, more targeted approach to the way advertisers could reach a certain segment.

As is a necessity of sorts, evolution leads to opportunity. Social searches emerged on the scene and became a huge trend in 2006, according to David Gilby in a MediaPost article. Social search differs from traditional search engines because it adds human intelligence into the search process, according to the article. This means instead of allowing an algorithm to match keywords, a social search allows a user to connect with a live "expert" on the topic, which produces more useful and relevant results.

This is another big opportunity for advertisers because if a search engine can now pick up on the intention of a search then more personalized product ads can be placed in order to entice individual consumers.

Advertising To Hispanics Online

The Hispanic population is growing rapidly in the United States. Therefore, they will be consuming more products and services than before. Also, the wealth of these individuals has increased, and so has their Internet usage. Advertisers need to stay ahead of the trend and get online along with this market segment.

According to a national consumer survey by Simmons, 38 percent of Hispanics find online ads useful, compared to 24 percent of non-Hispanics. Also, 72 percent of Hispanic Internet users use search engines to learn more about new products and services that they had heard of elsewhere. The study also found that Hispanics are now spending more time online as compared to reading magazines or newspapers. Consequently, some ad dollars should be transferred from print to online media, when seeking Hispanic viewers.

By planning your strategy carefully, you can market effectively to this highly profitable, and increasing, segment of the population.