Question

Topic: Student Questions

Online Marketing Of Desktop Computer Components

Posted by Anonymous on 5/2/2011 at 3:43 AM ET 250 Points
I'm doing a survey of the desktop computer market, more specifically desktop boards (motherboards). However, a general opinion would also help.

1. What do you look for when going through a manufacturer website? (For example, if you're looking at buying a new motherboard, what do you look for on a manufacturer's website. say, ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI etc.)

2. How important is the manufacturer website's appearance to you? (For example, animations and banners etc.)

3. Do you look for multimedia downloads on these websites (screensavers, promos, wallpapers)?

4. How often are you able to get the information that you want instantly (as in, user friendly website design, intuitive layout)?

5. Do opinions on online forums and social media sites affect your purchase decisions or interest? If yes, then which forums/websites do you normally look at for user opinions?

6. How important do you think is it for these manufacturers to be present on social media sites, or would you prefer to get in touch with a company representative through some other form of communication?

I am also looking at doing a 5 force analysis of the desktop board industry, and was wondering if there's actually a scope for threat of new entrants. Especially since the sales of desktop computers are declining with customers wanting more mobility, and motherboards slowly becoming a push product, or a product for technology enthusiasts.

My apologies for such a lengthy post, but your responses will be greatly appreciated.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by michael on 5/2/2011 at 12:04 PM Accepted
    1. What do you look for when going through a manufacturer website? Ratings from 3rd party. Ease of navigation

    2. How important is the manufacturer website's appearance to you? Looking for function, not flash.

    3. Do you look for multimedia downloads on these websites Never

    4. How often are you able to get the information that you want instantly? Rarely.

    5. Do opinions on online forums and social media sites affect your purchase decisions or interest? www.cnet.com

    6. How important do you think is it for these manufacturers to be present on social media sites, or would you prefer to get in touch with a company representative through some other form of communication? For me, it doesn't matter.





  • Posted on 5/4/2011 at 3:42 AM Author
    Thanks Michael!
    I appreciate your prompt reply to my question. This is with reference to your response over whether you are able to get the required information instantly. When you say rarely, could you elaborate a little bit more on that point. As in, is it because the websites are not easy to navigate/lack of a user friendly interface, or because the content on these sites is not what you're looking for, or some other points that you may wish to highlight.

    And as for opinions and reviews on online forums, how far do they affect your purchase decision. Do you still like to have a look and try out the product personally, or do you just purchase it online?
    Once again, I apologize for bombarding you with all these questions. But since this query is a little specific, it's a little difficult to get responses.
    Thank you once again for replying
  • Posted on 5/4/2011 at 10:33 AM Accepted
    1. What do you look for when going through a manufacturer website? (For example, if you're looking at buying a new motherboard, what do you look for on a manufacturer's website. say, ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI etc.)

    Depends on the specific situation. Usually looking for specs, availability of support, tutorials. Also manufacturer's reputation.

    2. How important is the manufacturer website's appearance to you? (For example, animations and banners etc.)

    Much more than I probably realize. If the site doesn't look first-class, I probably discount the product and the company.

    3. Do you look for multimedia downloads on these websites (screensavers, promos, wallpapers)?

    No. Those might even make me think the manufacturer is more interested in fluff than in product quality and service.

    4. How often are you able to get the information that you want instantly (as in, user friendly website design, intuitive layout)?

    It's mixed. Depends on company and specific product.

    5. Do opinions on online forums and social media sites affect your purchase decisions or interest? If yes, then which forums/websites do you normally look at for user opinions?

    Sometime. Reviews on familiar sites (e.g., CNET) certainly help.

    6. How important do you think is it for these manufacturers to be present on social media sites, or would you prefer to get in touch with a company representative through some other form of communication?

    Social media presence is strictly optional for me. I prefer to rely on search results, reviews from trusted sites, and word-of-mouth from friends more than social media. I suspect this varies substantially from person to person.

    =====

    Why are you polling a bunch of marketing folks for this topic? Are we your primary target audience? If not, you need to ignore all our responses and ask the right people your questions. (And get some help wording them in a neutral way, so you don't get biased results.)


  • Posted on 5/6/2011 at 4:27 AM Author
    Thanks.. Well, to be honest, I'm looking at purchase and information search behavior for IT hardware. Any kind of inputs would be great. I'm open to suggestions regarding the kind of questions I should be asking.
    I'd really appreciate your valuable inputs on the subject.
  • Posted by michael on 5/6/2011 at 3:43 PM Accepted
    When you say rarely, could you elaborate a little bit more on that point.
    I generally know what I want but may not be technical enough to find it.


    Do you still like to have a look and try out the product personally, or do you just purchase it online? I have no need to try it out. I'm happy to buy online.

    Michael
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