After learning about new media and the various ways to reach an audience the website Geico.com really stuck out to me more than it would have before. There really are so many aspects of it that backup the idea of new media. Of course it is no surprise to see the famous gecko, which is quite an icon, on the homepage. I think this attracts the audience because many people know of the gecko and have a connection in their mind with the company already.
A big way in which this site is new media is the interaction the audience has on it. Once on this site one could instantly get a free insurance quote, manage their policy, and report or track a claim. Right from the start the viewer becomes a participant. Also as the viewer scrolls down the screen there are several types of insurances avialable along with a picture; for example, a house, boat, or RV with the relative insurance.
Another thing that really interested me was that there was a link to connect to Facebook to get the quote. It is not uncommon these days to see such links, yet it still somewhat surprised me on such an official site. It just goes to show how they are using that large Facebook audience to gain support. The part of the website that hit me the most though was that people can download free ringtones from it. Yet again this is just a use of technology to get people comfortable with and attract them to the company: free music is a winner!
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Facebook seems to be everywhere these days! I also thought it was funny that such professional looking websites utilise the little "F" icon. I agree that these are probably effective ways of expanding the user's audience.
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me the lengths to which people go to, to attract costumers. It often works but at the same time it seems a little pathetic that they have to use Facebook and ringtones to attract costumers
ReplyDeleteI think using Facebook, ringtones and whatever else are actually good marketing strategies. It may be a show of the path society is taking but internet social communities and cell phones are more common place than professional athletes being arrested on weapons charges.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the input Heidi. It really is so true that Facebook is expanding and it seems to be coming up with something new or being used by different organizations everyday!
ReplyDeleteThose are both really good points Aaron and Chelsea. When I read the first comment I agreed with the fact that it almost seems pathetic, yet then at the same time then Aaron's thoughts really struck me! It is just how society is going and so of course marketing is moving that direction to.
ReplyDeleteIs it just me or does it seem the geico was a really effective advertising tool at first and that now it is wearing off a bit? He used to be really funny and cute, with an awesome accent... now he seem a bit overplayed.
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