DID YOU KNOW:

36 million women actively blog every week (publish, read or comment) 

43% of Women stated in a recent survey that they would give up reading newspapers and magazines to continue blogg reading or blog psoting

Regarding the shift from traditional media to online; 22% of women surveyed say we watch less television and read fewer magazines and newspapers because we're blogging because we're blogging

The statistics are compelling for blogging and the need for marketers to embrace it as a part of the UGC of their program. But more and more women are reporting that blogging is a big deal in their lives and their decision-making process about what and when to buy.  More than half of women online consider blogs to be one of their reliable sources for advice and information and say that blogs influence their purchasing decisions, especially about travel. 

We have been developing Web 2.0, digital convergence elements and Social Networking into virtual communities for clients for a couple of years now. While it might have been trend-setting to do it back then, today it is a necessity for marketing travel and many other products and services. It is especially important for those that depend on women as the primary decision maker about purchases.

Developing these elements into your web site and Internet marketing program can be a complex undertaking. There are many decisions to be made and many options to consider.  This is an exciting time in online marketing and blogs, social networking and deploying these empowering technologies for women buyers is exciting also.  Don't ignore the research. Move your program toward a more Web 2.0 offering. Your web visitors who are women will especially appreciate it.

Till next time....

Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan.

Leah Woolford

CEO, www.usdm.net