By 2012, women will outnumber men online by more than 8 million

Posted on | April 6, 2008 |

Why is that important? Most experts agree women began outnumbering men online in 2007. The numbers will continue to grow.

It’s another indicator of the amazing power of women as consumers and in business today. In my book, Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs, I spend a lot of time making sure women - and men - realize this power. A woman starts a business in the U.S. every 60 seconds. And, American women are the largest economy on earth. Put those two stats together with the possibilities of the Internet - your PC and my PC is just as powerful as anybody else’s - and you’ve got a revolution to be reckoned with. And advertisers are beginning to acknowledge it. But just beginning.

The important thing to realize is that women are natural networkers. We’ve been the community builders in the real world since the beginning of time. Think of the most important charities in your community. Most likely they were created by, and continue to be championed by, women. Now, there’s the web. “Women’s community” was the most visited and fastest growing internet category according to ComScore Media Metrix. Women are building community online as never before. And, they are using it for business. Social networking makes business more personal and intuitive. The formally defined lines in society are falling away - and finally, work and family can become more blended. Not everywhere, but it is beginning. Did you know women business owners are likely to purchase the same goods and services for their homes and businesses?

This means savvy marketers have the ability, if they are smart, to market to women as never before, if they can tap into these communities. With honesty and relevance. (Remember, we know a fake when we see one.) If you’re marketing a product or service today and you haven’t figured out how to reach out to your core constituents via the web (hint, they are most likely women and they are most likely in one or more communities), you are missing the proverbial boat. Find something your brand has in common with your target audience - asided from your desire to sell - and you’ve won. Niche marketing even a generation ago was broad. Today, it can be one to one thanks to the online world.

And that is what is great about marketing to women on the web.

Kaira Sturdivant Rouda is the author of Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs. With more than 20 years of experience in consumer marketing – primarily focused on women – Kaira currently is President of Real Living - a national real estate firm and franchisor, where she guides the brand. Visit her online for more about the book and upcoming speaking engagements, including the Marketing to Women conference.

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