Online retailers should use gadgets and games to market to young consumers

[Kristijntje]

Online retailers targeting young consumers need to use gadgets and games to grab their attention, according to a new study from Forrester Research Inc....

The study also found that more than half of young, online consumers rely on their friends and families for purchase advice, and 65% tell others about products they like. In addition, teens have on average 41 buddies on their IM lists. That makes them ideal prospects for social marketing via instant messaging, mobile phones and e-mail, Forrester said.

full article: http://www.internetretailer.com/dailyNews.asp?id=17068

[valleygirl]

65% tell others about products they like. In addition, teens have on average 41 buddies on their IM lists. That makes them ideal prospects for social marketing via instant messaging, mobile phones and e-mail

Paid advertising or lucky word of mouth that gets teens and college students talking about your products on Myspace can either give a big boost to sales or kill you if the buzz is bad.  Social marketing pushes can work against you if you're out of touch with the audience.