Targeted advertising works, it just does. Whether we like it or not. If you are shown something you are likely to want or need, chances are higher of you buying that product than not.
Nearly FOUR in ten Americans say social media has influenced them to try a new skincare product. Millennials (aged 25–40) were the most serious about their skincare routines, at 63% compared to 57% of Gen Z (aged 18–24) respondents.
One such way targeted advertising works is through social media influencers. Another is simply with targeted product imaging.
I am totally guilty of being sold things via social media, in particular, Instagram. I currently alternate between two skincare systems, Curology and Proven Skin Care, both of which used a targeted marketing strategy through Instagram to sell me their product.
Today I posted a video on some skincare that was also marketed to me like this. Everyone gets the occasional zit. Wouldn't it be nice if you didn't have to pop it painfully then deal with the redness and swelling afterwards? That's what these two products promise. They are little stickers that you place on the zit and it painlessly removes the pimple, redness and swelling overnight like magic. I went to Target to buy them and compared the two. If you want to check it out, here it is below.
Am I mad that I was targeted with a product I might actually like? Nope. I guess this is the way of the future, and to be honest I don't mind it. I would rather see ads for something I might actually use or need than ads for something I wouldn't. Either way, we will be seeing them, so why not target them to people who might actually use the item. It's better for the seller and the buyer. I know people take issue with the ways that these social media platforms collect our data to know what products we might like. Is there any escaping it though? If the service is free, there's always a catch.
What are your thoughts on this topic? You can always follow me on Instagram and message me! Chat to you soon.