Digital-to-go: Savior of the Entertainment Industry?

Can one really throw out entertainment as an “unnecessary expense”? I doubt it, but in this time of economic hardship in America, many are having to cut back on movie nights, buying the latest CD from some popular artist, and other luxury entertainment sources.

So with all of this cutting back, how can the entertainment industry of America survive? In this difficult economic time in America, companies are working harder than ever to promote their products, trying to stay above the red line. Due to the recession, however, entertainment companies have less and less freedom to spend money left and right on advertising.

One of the most obvious solutions the industry has come up with is utilizing the digital world. While this is certainly not a new development, its usage has skyrocketed from entertainment companies, specifically the access of mobile technology – the ability to always be connected, anywhere in the world. As Digital Stores CEO Russel Coultart stated in a recent Music Week article,

“The artists that understand it’s about being everywhere are the ones who are going to succeed…”

Take music for example. On almost any phone commercial today, the company will advertise the phone, but as an addition to both show off the phone and a particular hit song, the company will have the phone play that song and show it for several seconds. With the rise of mp3 players (thank you Apple), music now has the capability to be with us all the time, anywhere. Advertising music with a phone or other mobile device slips in perfectly to the convenience of mobile technology. Just check out this commercial for the new Droid smart phone from Verizon.

Cyber Travel?

plane-travelThe current American economy has had its ups and downs causing many to not afford traveling or vacationing. Also, the airline industry has taken people on a new ride. Its rough take off since 9/11 has ricocheted into other travel industries.  All of these problems have affected how the travel industry promotes itself.

Technology has changed the face of advertising. Before, a local travel agent would advise about your next vacation. With internet anyone can research for their vacation in the comfort of their home. Also, you don’t have to pay someone to do that work for you which is why travel agents were the first to go when families and individuals started cutting out unnecessary costs. In Ulrike Gretzel article for the Journal of Travel Research he explores how the web is the future for advertising. Companies are creating blogs where people can write about their experience and even upload photos! Marriott International has used this idea and started Mr. Marriott’s blog. However, Gretzel states that because technology changes so quickly:

“It is difficult for most marketing organizations, to keep pace with the evolution of new technologies…, the changes in the consumer market, and growing competition due to increasing globalization”.

Globalization is due to the fact that  boundaries can be hopped quickly and easily. Allowing individuals to form their own communities  based on travel interest or destinations. Travel corporations are experimenting  how to appeal to interest groups by attacking it with many different advertising strategies like search engine optimization and banner ads with Google. How are these strategies going to play out? Get ready for the ride!