Reason # 1,000,000 That Google Adwords Isn't Going Anywhere
If you've ever wondered how long the Paid Search "Bubble" will last, I think you'd better start asking about how long until traditional advertising is eclipsed. I found a video from Google regarding Android, their new open-source cell phone software, and frankly it was an eye-opener. I'm not going to say this is an IPhone killer or anything flashy like that. Rather, I think we're just beginning to realize how pervasive and persuasive online advertising will be.
Imagine having a free phone that has IPhone like flashiness and all of the social networking (Facebook), web searching (Google), business application programs (Google Docs), email (Gmail), and even direction finding (Google Maps) programs already built in or a least easily available. All along all of us web types thought that these programs were just for us, but it appears that we are the tip of the iceberg. I would almost say that we're the beta testers for the non-techies but that would be going too far off the reservation.
Suffice to say that online advertising is not only not going anywhere, but soon people will see our ads and not even know that they're online. Knowing how to get the word out and manage your 'online' reputation will soon be a necessity as it will permeate more and more of our way of life.
I killed my cell phone over the weekend and had forgotten how it felt to not have one. I remember when I got married 10 years ago, I didn't even have a cell phone. It felt weird going to the gas station this weekend and not being able to get in touch with my wife to see if she needed anything while I was out. Imagine how I will feel in 10 years when my cell phone is DOA and I feel lost because it didn't load the latest and greatest local ads just for me when I get off of the freeway.
Not to be too sci-fi, but have you seen the move Minority Report? The deeper I get into the online advertising arena, the more I see the future of advertising being like it was in that movie. Although instead of retinal scans, your phone will be the device that triggers these tailored ads.
Wild and out there maybe, but the truth is always stranger than fiction. Oh and by the way.....I'll be the weirdo who's camping out for the Android phone in my town. I'd be foolish to bite the hand that feeds me. See you in line!