The diagram below is a result of ongoing research into why people go online and where and is a project called Rudd Finn Intent Index.

It basically classifies people’s reasons for going online into seven categories in descending percentage order:

1. Learn

2. Have Fun

3. Socialize

4.  Express yourself

5. Advocate

6. Do Business

7. Shop

According to Darren, you can also look at the results based upon gender and age. For example

• Men go online to do business, be informed of news and be entertained more than women
• Women are more likely to go online to socialize and express themselves than men)
• Youth go online more for socializing, advocating and self expression than seniors
• Both Youth and Seniors are going online to have fun

Other highly rated areas (80% of responses or more) included:

• Educate Self (96%)
• Connect with Others (92%)
• Research (89%)
• Share (86%)
• Be Entertained (82%)

Take some time to study this index, you may be able to pinpoint your next strategic move.  This could well answer the age old questions like:

Who is your target audience?

Where are they?

What do they expect?

How big/small is the market?

Go ahead and study now and improve your sales and readership!

Related posts:

1. 5 easy steps to build a business online
2. 4 Steps to Increase Your Blog Traffic
3. 6 Reasons Why Bloggers Need Perfect Grammar for Success