Technology has a dramatic effect on how we do business, how we gather information, and how we interact outside the office. Technology is changing the landscape of the marketing environment, and as professionals, we have to learn how to incorporate all the changes to remain competitive.

5 Ways Technology Has Changed Marketing:

1. The Internet
   Obviously, the Internet has changed the world. It has allowed consumers to have access to more information than ever before. When customers want to know about a company or a product, they can have their answers in a matter of minutes. They can look up product reviews, compare prices, and get detailed information on every aspect of a company before they even contact a sales representative. Consumers are getting smarter, and marketing has had to adapt.
2. Email
   Email is an effective way to communicate at work, but it also serves as an affordable way to spread information. Marketing can send email campaigns to promote specific sales messages, to increase event attendance, and to thank consumers for their continued business. Thanks to technological advancement, businesses can send personalized and inexpensive messages electronically. 
3. Mobile
   When was the last time you went a day without checking your smartphone? Can you imagine life before your smartphone? Scary. Employees and customers are plugged in 24/7. We check emails, send tweets, and buy products all from our phones. Mobile phones have changed the way we communicate, and they allow for high potential for marketing. Mobile apps and ads are great tools for marketing to engage consumers.
4. Social Media
   Social Media has been one of the most important changes to marketing in recent years. With the surge in popularity of networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, marketers have the opportunity to engage with their consumers at the click of a button.  Social media allows companies to spread brand awareness, increase website traffic referral, and easily communicate with their customers.
5. Big Data
   In the tech world, I am sure you have heard the term “big data” thrown around a lot. Big data allows marketing to gather and store very detailed information regarding their consumers. It gives marketing insight into their customers’ brains. It can explain what is influencing them, where they are coming from, and where their loyalties lie: all very valuable information to define a target market.

Technology is a rapidly changing environment. As technology continues to evolve, so will marketing.