The innovation of the internet as allowed marketers to have of a a direct contact with consumers; now more than ever. Markets are able to access free platforms with over millions of users. Instead of paying for local billboard, news ads, and commercial time. Companies can reach consumers from all over the world through their smart devices. Companies may also have access to consumer data where they particularly position ads on particular websites and social media platforms. So that the consumers that are highly likely to buy the product see the ad. 

Technology has allowed companies to expand their ability to interact with potential customer. Companies are no longer limited to just reaching out to potential customers via the traditional ways of telephone, fax, or in-person. Now companies have social media, websites, and other technological means of reaching out and creating a two-way interactive relationship with them. This also can bring into perspective the 5th P of marketing which involves a much more interactive way to get the customers to actually give feedback to the company in some capacity.

I feel as though the internet has allowed marketing to be accessible at the tips of our fingers. Social media and the internet is where I have seen many advertisements and commercials on products. In fact I often look at business pages on Instagram for customer reviews, videos, and any information pertaining to a product that I may be willing to purchase. I also feel as though the internet and social media allows businesses to reach a wider audience without having to commercials for tv and billboard advertisements. In my opinion the internet is a first hand tool for marketing a product because majority of people use the internet daily. 

The Internet has revolutionized marketing in numerous ways, transforming the landscape of how businesses communicate, promote their products or services, and engage with customers. Here are some key ways in which the Internet has changed marketing:

1. Expanded Reach: The Internet has made it possible for businesses to reach a global audience, transcending geographical boundaries. Through various online marketing channels such as websites, social media, email marketing, and online advertising, businesses can now connect with customers worldwide, expanding their reach and customer base.

2. Enhanced Targeting: The Internet has enabled businesses to target their marketing efforts with unprecedented precision. Online platforms provide sophisticated targeting options based on factors such as demographics, interests, browsing behavior, and search history, allowing businesses to tailor their marketing messages to specific audiences. This level of targeting helps businesses optimize their marketing strategies and achieve higher conversion rates.

3. Increased Interactivity: The Internet has fostered greater interactivity between businesses and customers. Social media platforms, online forums, and interactive websites allow businesses to engage with customers in real-time, collect feedback, and build relationships. This two-way communication allows for personalized marketing, customer feedback, and improved customer satisfaction.

Although the internet has definitely widened its customer reach through digital marketing, the digital divide should be considered. The digital divide essentially describes the gap between demographics and regions that have information and communications technology, and have limited/no access. The digital divide exists in different contexts such as between rural and urban areas, and socioeconomic groups. Thus, the expansion or complete shift onto a digital platform can limit the accessibility of devices to certain groups. Within these groups, there are likely individuals with medical conditions that require these devices. Without internet access, they are less likely to learn about these devices. The assumption all potential patients have internet access is problematic as it fails to take into account the range of economic and regional circumstances. Therefore, digital marketing should not be the only marketing strategy used.

In my opinion this question has several answers as the internet has changed the way of doing marketing and marketing in many aspects. The biggest change the internet has brought is the ability to advertise and sell a product online without the need for a store. This is beneficial to the seller as it eliminates the cost of purchasing or renting the facility where the product will be sold  and reduces the number of employees too. This is also beneficial for the customer as he can search for products and buy them without having to go to a store. Also the internet has greatly changed the way of product promotion. Previously, product promotion was done by meeting customers, holding exhibitions, print advertisements and television commercials. Nowadays, promoting a product has shifted to viral and internet advertising. Everyone can promote their products to millions of people all over the world at the same time  using social apps or social websites. This is a very big advantage that the sales representative has today compared to the past.

The internet has changed marketing by making it easier to reach your target market and gain exposure for your business. Social Media platforms allows businesses to set up ads which are seen frequently when scrolling through and you can purchase those items with an single click on your phone. Social media is free marketing for your business and allows loyal customers/target market to follow and stay up to date on your business. Secondly, putting hashtags under your post will allow you to key in more on your target market and also allow your post to be seen by new potential customers.

Reading through the replies, there are several good points brought up like: the internet has changed to allow a higher range of products to be advertised, the easier expansion of your consumer base, the cutting of overhead costs as some things are bought completely online, etc. 

One important aspect I'd like to highlight is the internet has allowed a great change in the specificity of the products advertised and sold. As we become more technologically advanced, new laws and regulations have risen and have to continue to grow and change to address these advancements. For example, privacy laws had to be formed and are still being formed to address the selling and exchange of consumer data. As this is still a growing and changing field, not all bases are covered. Hence many companies can purchase and trade this data to allow more specific advertising to consumers in certain demographics or regions to aide in their marketing. 

They use this data to target their audience more effectively-leading to a boost in sales. The internet has allowed effectively your likes, dislikes, and wants to be much more open and visible to the digital world, making selling to you much more easier for many of the companies that operate through this data-sharing network.

I think it is obvious to everyone that the internet has drastically changed the marketing strategies of almost every company in the past years. Now, without hiring people to distribute flyer or hosting big event every time for a launch of the product, companies can take advantage of the fact that everyone is on the internet to introduce their products to people, and with smart algorithm, the advertisement even hits the correct target pool more precisely than ever. I think this phenomenon brings about 2 consequences: the competition of marketing shifts toward another front - the internet - requiring more strategies as this format is accessible to more companies regardless of the physical location; and the demand in creativity as well as new skills arising from the digital marketing field for those who want to get into this career.