That said, today’s consumers — wherever you go — are all “shopping withoout us.” By the time they’re ready to make a purchase, they have already thoroughly researched it, checked competitors, looked at reviews and talked to friends and colleagues. In other words, they’ve made a decision.

Rather than bemoan the passing of dead models, newspapers and others might want to check out new methods that let them “lurk the lurkers,” i.e., capture information on those individuals who visit ads and web sites. It’s all part of a new strategy called inbound or “permission” marketing, whereby the prospective customer agrees to provide name & contact info in exchange for a free offer. I think of inbound marketing as the business world’s version of Free Will. Customers aren’t hounded, but instead participate of their own volition.

I’m an “old schooler” myself and new to this idea, but I find inbound marketing fascinating. Maybe it can help those old newspapers we all love so dearly to stick around a bit longer.

I’ve blogged on this topic but will not offend the editor by posting a link. If you’re interested you can look at crawfordpr’s site here in the states.

Cheers and thanks for a great, in-depth post Robert.