Among the people who look for products and services available online in Central America, 20% try to buy electronic devices such as cell phones, video game consoles or cameras, 17% home and garden items, and 10% vehicles.
The interactive information system developed by CentralAmericaData monitors in real time the changes in consumer habits in all markets in the region, with fundamental information to understand the new commercial environment that has emerged in an accelerated manner.
Restrictions on the movement of people test the ability of companies to survive, since in the new business reality it is not enough to have a website to market products, as customers demand effective sales and delivery systems.
In early April, when Guatemala was just beginning its quarantine due to the covid-19 outbreak and the government began banning the movement of people after 4 p.m., some customers reported that the online sales systems of the country's large fast food restaurant chains collapsed in the face of increased demand.
Less impulsive and more reasoned purchasing decisions and the search for product and supplier information on the Internet and social networks are some of the characteristics of consumers in the new business environment.
Given the spread of covid-19, health authorities in Central American countries have been forced to restrict the mobility of people and have chosen to close most commercial establishments.
Personal care items, vehicle accessories, food and beverages are some of the products most demanded by consumers, who have migrated to digital platforms to make their purchases.
In the current scenario of confinement due to the health crisis in the region, consumers have disappeared from physical stores and have migrated to digital platforms to buy their products.
Fostering innovation when selling or buying real estate is a need that real estate brokers in general have identified among their clients, which they seek to satisfy through digital sales platforms.
According to the vendors' experience, the advantage of digital platforms is that they have the ability to store large volumes of information in an orderly and detailed way, which can also be consulted by potential customers immediately.
In most Central American countries, vehicles are the main merchandise traded through web platforms.
According to the Guatemalan Exporters Association (Agexport), according to the OLX marketing website in Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Panama, vehicles are the most published product category.
After 56 years of history the weekly Costa Rican newspaper will continue to serve the interest of English speaking readers but only through its online edition.
From a publication on Ticotimes.net:
The story by now is well-known: Fifty-six years ago, a group of high school students at Costa Rica’s Lincoln School wanted to learn about journalism. So veteran U.S.
Despite the popularity of "social media", videos and “rich media”, banners are still the workhorse of online advertising.
No matter your opinion or feelings on the issue, spending on standard online banner advertising will grow 11.4% during 2011, reaching $ 6,560 million and will continue rising to $ 8,630 million in 2014.
¿How to optimize the effectiveness of online banner advertising? Here are some tips:
Advertising online is not an option anymore but a necessity, and requires stricter planning than traditional advertising.
Every cent spent in an advertising budget must be carefully planned. These are though times, with fierce competition in all fields. Preparing successful advertising campaigns requires a lot of work, and actions in several fronts. A balanced online marketing plan is much more than just spending some dollars on Google’s Adwords.