If you want to know how to get to women online, you need look no further than Ask Patty! and Road and Travel. These are two sites founded by women out to make a difference.
In a recent NY Times article, "Candid Talk for Women (Men Allowed, Too)" , Mickey Meece writes, "While the sites differ, they share a vision of consumers in need -- many of them." He also notes that, "The sites are part reader service, part trusted friend."
That's the message: part reader service: they give us information; and part trusted friend: we know they're on our side.
Jody DeVere, who is a good friend of mine and whom I hold in high esteem, started AskPatty to help
women understand and interact with the automotive industry. We all have horror stories of being treated poorly at car dealerships...by salesmen who talk to the man with us, and never to us, or who treat us like grade school children. Worse yet are the salesmen (and some women) who charge us extra, because they think they can!
Well, AskPatty! takes care of that. A visit to the website and the blog gives women all the information and education they need to be savvy car shoppers and negotiators (thanks to all the savvy women who took the lead and joined Jody in providing this excellent content).
And then, there's Courtney Caldwell who has one of the most outstanding travel sites/magaines on the Internet. I found Courtney and Road and Travel years ago when I was writing my book. The information on the site goes beyond the usual stats and tips and tricks. Her "What Women Want" page is even more outstanding now than it was when I first discovered her site. In the NY Times article, Courtney is quoted saying, "After fits and starts, the auto industry is catching on to the power of the purse."
They're doing so because of Courtney's excellent site and Jody's focus on education.
Now, that's how to market to women online. Give us the right attention in the right places at the right time. How hard can that be?
Well deserved praise, Jody. I'm with you, in spirit, at least, at the Stevie's, having been there myself two years ago. You are the tops!
Posted by: Yvonne DiVita | October 26, 2007 at 08:47 AM
Yvonne,
All I can say is WOW..you are truly this girls' best friend to post such kind words about AskPatty.com and me. ( blushing)
We are so thrilled about this feature in the New York Times by Mickie Meece and the good news that we are a finalist for a Stevie Award for the Best Marketing Program to Women for 2007, all in the same week.
All I can say is Woo Hoo and send BIG virtual hugs your way.
Jody DeVere
President
www.askaptty.com
Posted by: Jody DeVere | October 26, 2007 at 03:20 AM
Yvonne,
All I can say is WOW..you are truly this girls' best friend to post such kind words about AskPatty.com and me. ( blushing)
We are so thrilled about this feature in the New York Times by Mickie Meece and the good news that we are a finalist for a Stevie Award for the Best Marketing Program to Women for 2007, all in the same week.
All I can say is Woo Hoo and send BIG virtual hugs your way.
Jody DeVere
President
www.askaptty.com
Posted by: Jody DeVere | October 26, 2007 at 03:20 AM
Yvonne,
All I can say is WOW..you are truly this girls' best friend to post such kind words about AskPatty.com and me. ( blushing)
We are so thrilled about this feature in the New York Times by Mickie Meece and the good news that we are a finalist for a Stevie Award for the Best Marketing Program to Women for 2007, all in the same week.
All I can say is Woo Hoo and send BIG virtual hugs your way.
Jody DeVere
President
www.askaptty.com
Posted by: Jody DeVere | October 26, 2007 at 03:20 AM