Let’s face it, the internet search engine Google (and its related products) have dramatically changed the way we do many things – especially our purchasing behaviors. At last week’s PRSA meeting, attendees learned just how much Google is affecting our lives and behaviors. Here’s a few quick facts for you trivia-minded readers:
- Google started in 1997 with 77 million users and now has 1.9 billion users.
- There’s more content on YouTube (owned by Google) today than was made in 60 years of broadcast television.
- This awesome Google Super Bowl ad? Made for less than $10,000.
- 38% of people comparison shop online.
- Buyers read 4-7 reviews before becoming comfortable with a purchase.
- 79% of people use smart phone to help them shop.
- 1 in 3 mobile searches are local.
- Online searches for coupons exceed searches for Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber.
And for those of you looking for what’s new with Google, make sure to check out their new +1 feature and let us know what you think. Useful? Just another time waster? Tell us!
We asked Catherine Roe the burning question that’s on everyone’s mind: Now that the people are so dependent on Google for information and we are opening up our private lives and shopping habits to the internet, what is Google doing about privacy concerns? See what she has to say…
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3la9BXqSV8]