The early reports for Apple TV (AAPL) aren't as favorable as they were for the iPod when it was introduced, but I think the reason was the pent-up demand for a legitimate music download product, which when introduced exploded in popularity. That type of demand isn't there yet for downloaded video content.
The reason I'm bringing it up though isn't to talk about that, but to show why these types of products in general are so much in demand. For example, what do Apple iTunes, TiVo (TIVO) and YouTube (GOOG) all have in common? While one connection is downloadable video, that's not the best answer for marketers.
The answer for all these products is that they're almost ridiculously easy to use.
If anyone is trying to reach a larger audience for any type of product or service, it could quite possibly be the ease-of-use that determines your success.
The harder we make it for people to partake, the less people there will be participating in what we market to them. It's as simple as that.
Not only does this relate to products or services offered, but the marketing campaigns themselves. Too many steps means less involvement by people. It's just the way people are.
A good thing we all can do is comb through all that we are doing, and look at it as if we're either a young child or older person that hasn't really ever done anything like it before. If we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed and frustrated at any point of the process, we may need to make some serious changes to make it more consumer friendly.
Unless your market is always early adopters that like to tinker and tear things apart and check under the hood, this is a necessity for almost everyone. But even early adopters like things seemless and integrated and easy to get at.
Keeping it simple can explode you competitive advantage and sales.
Comment Preview