The line between online and in-store shopping is becoming increasingly blurred in today’s digital age. As consumers navigate a world saturated with ads, the key to success is creating advertisements that are not just seen but acted upon. This is where the concept of “shoppable ads” comes into play, transforming ordinary ads into powerful drivers of purchase intent.
But first, what are shoppable ads? Shoppable ads are a form of interactive advertising that allows consumers to make purchases directly from the ad itself. These ads typically feature products or services with clickable links or buttons that take users to a website or app where they can complete the purchase immediately upon viewing. Shoppable ads can appear on various platforms, including social media, websites, and mobile apps.
In digital advertising, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and other social channels have revolutionized how brands connect with consumers. With their highly engaging content and targeted approach, these platforms offer a unique opportunity to reach audiences. However, they often fall short of converting these interactions into sales, especially compared to in-store shopping experiences.
In-store digital advertising excels in this aspect, mainly through digital displays and audio. Unlike social media ads, which typically engage consumers while they scroll through their feeds, in-store ads connect with shoppers when they are physically near the product.
Picture a mother strolling down a grocery store aisle and encountering a digital display ad highlighting a familiar backpack brand she’s been eyeing online. The mother didn’t know that the grocery store would even sell backpacks, but now that the ad brought product awareness, she decided to go to the school supplies aisle and check out the size and quality of the backpack. She’s impressed with the backpack and throws two in her cart for her children!
What’s special about in-store ads is their ability to prompt consumers into engaging with the promoted product, allowing them to inspect the item’s quality, feel its texture, compare prices, and purchase. This immediate physical interaction and the ability to choose exactly what they want and take it home immediately is the driving force behind why 90% of purchases take place in-store (National Retail Federation).
Similarly, in-store audio advertising adds another layer of engagement, creating a seamless shopping experience. As consumers move through the store, they are accompanied by targeted audio ads that guide them directly toward relevant products and promotions. This audio backdrop enhances the shopping ambiance and prompts consumers to take action, whether trying a new product or taking advantage of a limited-time offer.
Additionally, audio can reach all four corners of the store, ensuring every consumer gets all these engaging messages. Returning to the mom in the previous example, imagine her pushing her cart down the grocery aisles, focused on her shopping list. Suddenly, she hears a cheerful voiceover promoting back-to-school backpacks over the store’s sound system. It reminds her of the upcoming school season and prompts her to check out the seasonal section. Without this audio ad, she might have overlooked the backpacks entirely. But thanks to the in-store audio ad, she remembers her need for school supplies and makes the purchase then and there!
Vibenomics recently ran a study that found 73% of consumers recalled hearing the in-store audio (Vibenomics Audio In-Store Suzy, April 2024). This highlights the effectiveness of in-store audio advertising in capturing consumer attention and creating a lasting impression, unlike online shoppable ads that may be easily forgotten once the user closes the ad.
In conclusion, while online digital ads have their place in the advertising landscape, in-store digital advertising offers a unique advantage. By reaching consumers when they are closest to the product, in-store ads transform the shopping experience into a truly “shoppable” moment. By harnessing the power of in-store digital advertising, brands can create meaningful connections with consumers and drive real-world sales like never before.
Vibenomics, a Mood Media Company, is the leading in-store digital provider with a combined in-store network with Stingray Advertising. Our in-store network reaches over 170 million monthly unique shoppers and 1 billion monthly shopping visits in the United States.
Ready to enhance your in-store advertising game with in-store audio? Engage with Vibenomics today and make 2024 a year of unparalleled success for your in-store campaigns.