Digital Trends

When reviewing this survey, especially the information on page 12, there were a couple points that surprised me. First of all, I did not expect "User ratings & rankings" and "User comments and reviews" to be as low as they were on the list. As a consumer, this is the first place I go when buying a new product. If it has anything less than a 4-star rating, I don't even bother. I put this above all other forms of determination. In contrast, at the top of the list are "Multi-media product viewing" and "Product tours." These rankings, on the other hand, did not surprise me. I would say that these are the next steps I take when looking for the best purchase to make. After checking out the reviews, I will then scope out the product itself and find out what features it has to offer. Websites that allow me to get an in-depth look, via 360° viewing, zooming, and video demonstrations, rank the highest in my book. It is no longer enough for a buyer to see a few pictures. We want to get a comprehensive look at every possible feature a product has. Thoroughness is essential in today's market. The more product information you make available to the consumer, the better off you will be.

Jones Soda Co.

Many of the top trends listed in this survey are already being done by Jones Soda. However, there is always room for improvement. One addition that can be made to the company is an iPhone and/or iPad app. This app might take the form of a game. An idea I had for this is for the user to be in the factory working on the bottling assembly line. The goal is for the user to fill the bottles in a certain amount of time. Obstacles would then be thrown in the way, as well as the increasing of the speed of the line over time. Another possible app could simply be an information one. Users could open it up to see exactly where they can purchase a Jones' product and for how much. If possible, the app could even get as detailed as to tell the user where they can find what flavor. When I am working events, I hear time and time again that people can't find the flavor they love at any stores. This app could make sure that people don't waste their time going from store to store. It would save people time and frustration.

Another addition that Jones could add to its repertoire is a YouTube channel. The possibilities with this are endless. They could allow users to add videos commenting about how great Jones is (e.g. what their favorite flavor is, how long they've been drinking Jones, how much better Jones is than any other soda, etc.). Jones could also develop an advertising campaign aimed solely at the YouTube audience. This would be very cheap and very accessible to the public. Jones already has the reputation of being cool and creative. YouTube ads would allow them to practice their creativity and give the fans what they want to see, while at the same time saving a lot of money.