Online marketing continues to grow and eclipse traditional advertising channels. For the first time ever, ad revenue from U.S. Internet advertising surpassed broadcast television advertising according to 2013 data compiled by PricewaterhouseCoopers and released by the Interactive Advertising Bureau. Digital ad sales in the U.S. totaled $42.8 billion, up 17% from 2012.
Broadcast and cable television revenues combined total $74.5 billion.
Mobile advertising is the fastest growing segment of the advertising market, doubling to $7.1 billion in 2013. Virtually all types of Internet advertising saw a net increase in revenue in 2013.
Bottom Line: Computer screens have become one of the most efficient ways for advertisers to reach their target markets. Internet ads can be incredibly efficient in targeting potential customers by keyword search, online habits, social media interests, and the demographic targeting made possible through social media profiles. Mobile advertising is increasing at a breakneck pace, much like the pace of the growth of mobile search. Mobile ads are no longer for early adapters, but have value for a wide range of online marketers.
Eric Van Cleave is a Partner in Zenergy Works, a Santa Rosa, California online marketing, National SEO, and website development firm.