Sign Up for Our Newsletter
The 1970s was an incredibly formative period for the development of home computer systems. That’s right; those once room-sized, power-sucking computer systems were now being transformed and designed for personal use. It was an exciting time for those invested in the future of computer technology. In fact, it was in April 1975 and April 1976 when Microsoft and Apple, two of today’s largest computer companies, were first founded.
The introduction of the first home computer systems led to some incredible developments in the way people accessed data and interacted with one another. And once The World Wide Web was opened to the public in 1993, the digital age took off in full. Three short years later, the first online banner ad was created, and digital marketing was born. Needless to say, the folks at 309 Marketing Group wouldn’t be here today without the advent of the home computer and the internet! Thanks to the introduction of computer technology, the way businesses could advertise to their customers was changed forever, and banner ads are only the tip of the iceberg! Here are some of the impacts of the invention of computers that directly impacted the creation and growth of digital marketing:
Before the introduction of the internet, computers were helpful (albeit expensive) devices that helped employees and individuals perform specific tasks like data compiling, word processing, and mathematical calculations. However, once The Web became available to consumers, the computer became something entirely different: a gateway to a seemingly limitless stream of information.
Computers were no longer just “tools” but a resource for study and research. If you have a question, you can find its answer online! Eventually, that even became true for professional organizations. With the earliest websites, online pioneers began advertising their companies, products and services using flashy graphics and informative content. Of course, that practice hasn’t changed much today. Businesses still utilize websites to advertise their brand but with greater speed, functionality, and versatility than sites of the dot-com era.
Have you ever heard of a little internet company called America Online, or AOL? You likely have! In the early days of the internet, AOL was a major player. They were one of the earliest providers of dial-up internet services and were a part of The Web when it was first launched for consumers. AOL also had another first in the online world: instant messaging!
Although the first instant messaging platforms were invented in 1971 and were strictly for government purposes, it wasn’t too challenging for AOL to adapt their platform to personal use. Instant messaging, along with email, gave users the chance to connect with anyone in the world in a matter of seconds. Eventually, this “social” side of the internet expanded when the first proper social media platforms came into existence (SixDegrees in 1997, MySpace and Facebook in the early 2000s).
Now, enter digital marketing. Thanks to the progression of the internet’s various channels of communication and socialization, businesses were given more ways to interact with their audience than ever. By advertising through social media platforms, brands could interact with consumers directly and instantly, answering questions, sharing company updates, and promoting products and services to an interested audience.
Modern computers have come a long way since the invention of the first computer and its ridiculous size, weighing 30 tons and taking up 1,800 square feet of space. From being available in your home to being in your pocket, our computers have expanded internally while shrinking externally. Much of this minimization of digital devices is thanks to Apple Inc. and its focus on creating powerful technology that fits in the palm of our hands.
Now consider the advantages of advertising thanks to the mobility of devices. With tablets and smartphones, the internet can be accessed anywhere and anytime. As such, businesses can advertise to potential customers based on location and personalized search history. Individuals use their phones while out and about to quickly research products they wish to buy, locations they wish to visit, and more.
Because the nature of advertising has drastically shifted with the introduction of computers, the internet and mobile devices, your business needs to be online! But, if you’ve never considered creating a website or starting an online ad campaign for your organization, let 309 Marketing Group be your guide. We are Central Illinois’ preferred web design company and digital marketing professionals. We’ve followed the progression of online advertising through the years, continually adapting our approach to your marketing campaigns to deliver the best results and high-quality leads for your business. If you are interested in any of our services, including search engine optimization, search engine marketing, social media management, review management and more, call 309-213-9398.