Massive opportunity for brands to be discovered online

Whatever point people are at in the decision making process to make a purchase, we will research more touchpoints online than offline. The digital world empowers consumers to shop; researching and purchasing can now be done all the time: at home, work and commuting in-between. Brands need to pinpoint accurately the most influential touchpoints on and offline to ensure that they maximise their presence and impact across different media.

Nothing is more powerful than a personal recommendation

The quantity of information we receive from brands does not replace the quality of a personal recommendation from someone we trust.

Throughout the buying process we all look at many sources of information - including those from brands and retailers - but nothing influences what we buy more than a personal recommendation from a friend or family.

Your store needs the same impact on and offline

Similar numbers will visit a brand or retailer online as those who visit them in the high street. The website and the store need to be as impressive and impactful as each other. Shoppers also need to get the same message and impression of the brand in both the real and virtual world, to engage rather than alienate.