Report: Internet is perfect for gadget-crazed consumers

Whether they are researching or actually purchasing, the vast majority of American consumers turn to the Internet to fill their gadget habit. According to a recent eMarketer report, American consumers are spending about $1,200 each year on new gadget purchases or upgrading past purchases.

by Kristina Knight

The report also finds that more than 75% of consumers will research a new gadget purchase online prior to buying the product.

What are consumers buying? Cellular phones, iPods and MP3 players, video capture cards, cameras and more.

According to the report, the average household in the U.S. has 25 gadgets. While most of the purchases are still made in traditional retail stories, with more users turning to the Internet to research the different products, it is clear that online advertising is a sure way to increase sales for most marketers.

By launching a tiered approach to online advertising, marketers can spread the wealth, so to speak, between paid search and video campaigns as well as investing a little time and money into social marketing efforts. By creating a user-friendly space on the web for users to find product information and connect with other users, marketers will also build brand recognition and trust, possibly influencing even more future purchases.