Want to customize the advertising sent to your computer? Now you can. According to www.aboutads.info, you can opt out of advertising that is irrelevant to you. This is done based on sites you visit and products you like. However, having consumers become aware of this feature will be a battle. The way I have observed internet related trends such as "Like Buttons" on Facebook, something must spark a big interest in consumers to follow trends.
Will consumers click on an icon to read about their privacy options? Well, the feature would have to entice them. In other words, if the company makes it fun or uses a scare tactic to explain how their privacy is being used, then maybe the consumer will care enough to click and find out more.
One option would be to hire a creative marketing company to spark consumer interest for this feature. Something to get the consumers to think about their internet use and how companies view what is searched and the websites browsed.
The website, www.Networkadvertising.org , features a video explaining how consumers can opt out of advertising they don't want to view. It won't necessarily stop ads consumers receive but, allows for opting out of specific companies who are sending ads.
For companies to start using the icon feature, I feel there needs to be a benefit. It won't benefit companies until, there is a demand shown by consumers. On the other hand, why would companies want to warn consumers about their privacy when they want to know information in order to advertise. Companies with websites have their own "terms of use" and "privacy policy," therefore, adding a "consumer privacy" section/link would tangle their already existing policies.
Companies like http://www.truste.com/, already have their own icon displayed under "privacy statement" section of websites. TRUSTe, is already on board to support the use of the Advertising Option Icon. Read about it in this press release: http://www.truste.com/about_TRUSTe/press-room/news_truste_trustedads.html
The concept is attractive for consumer use. The "Advertising Option Icon" would help consumer's knowledge expand about their privacy and how it is being used. The idea that an "Education Campaign" is being created to enhance awareness of the program is great but, it needs to be more of a fun marketing plan to get consumers interested.
Would you click the icon?
