What is IOT? and How the "Internet of Things" Can Change Marketing

26 April 2024 | By - Sudha Mariappan

What is IoT?

Everyday objects being able to become smart is the smartest way in human existence. Objects that we use daily, like computers, phones, refrigerators, televisions, ceiling fans, and even light bulbs, can be able to connect to the internet and work on their own.

These connected devices can use ‘sensors’ to collect information. For example, a refrigerator can show if it has become full, or a ceiling fan can automatically turn off if we leave the room as the signal is sent over the internet. They can also be controlled remotely using your phone or another device.

So, the Internet of Things are ordinary objects that become “smart” and allow them to communicate with us through the Internet.

When does the Internet of Things come into existence?

Kevin Ashton is a British technology pioneer, and also well-identified as the father of the IoT. He invented the word ‘Internet of Things’ in 1999 while working at Procter & Gamble, an American multinational consumer goods corporation headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he unveiled he could use microchips on products to track them through the whole manufacturing to supply process.

Before that, through a fun experiment and a challenge, John Romkey created the first IoT device, which is a toaster that could be turned on through the internet. The toaster was controlled with a simple networking management protocol and through the Internet Protocol. He had automated the entire toaster with the internet by adding a small crane, which is used for grabbing things, to add bread to complete the system.

The Internet of Things has three types:

• Consumer IoT - This includes common things such as wearables and everyday necessary essentials.
• Enterprise IoT - This includes smart factories and agricultural equipment.
• In public spaces, IoT is used mainly for waste management.

How has it changed human lives?

There is no doubt that this revolution has changed the entire human experience. Even tiny gadgets such as watches are used as “smart watches” and, in some cases, can be substituted by a smartphone.

These days we use gadgets like Amazon, Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, heart rate tracking devices, and voice-activated lights all working through the internet.

Did you know that from agriculture to healthcare and transportation, IoT technology has created a massive impact on various industries?

IoT has made its presence known with technology in every device made and the ability to control appliances remotely using smartphones or voice commands. We are becoming more healthy now as gadgets such as heart rate wristbands have emerged, which encourage us to create healthier lifestyles by checking our physical activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns.

In every mode of transportation, IoT plays an important role in optimizing routes and enhancing safety features. Smart city technologies such as monitoring traffic flow, collecting city garbage, and keeping public safety are only possible through IoT. Agriculturists use IoT sensors and devices to help improve crop yields while conserving resources.

Healthcare can not exist if the Internet Of Things will not be there. Patient monitoring devices have made it easier for healthcare workers to take care of patients, while IoT-enabled medical equipment provides great patient care facilities.

How can IoT change the marketing world?

Now all of these devices are highly dependent upon IoT, and it is easier for marketers to take advantage of this technology to digitally market their products. We all know that in this technological world, marketing has been digitized. Through IoT, we as marketers have tremendously benefited.

For businesses, it has become easier to gather information about their customers and store it in their databases. This data is very useful for predicting trends, making sales decisions, and getting to know the market in general. It allows businesses to calculate strategies to boost their revenue.

In digital marketing, businesses can rectify their product flaws based on customer feedback through product development surveys with the help of IoT. It allows sellers to understand consumer behavior better and make decisions upon that. IoT also helps digital marketers track consumer behavior patterns and target specific audiences effectively.

For example, if a marketer knows that a consumer is interested in fitness, they can target them with ads for workout gear or supplements.

Digital marketing is gaining heavy attraction among those who want to work from home, and marketers are gaining profits by making this work. As marketers, we can respond quickly to customer queries, which leads to healthier relationships between the customer and us.

What next?

As a whole, IoT technology has improved sellers' and buyers' relationships, giving us marketers satisfied customers.

Digital marketing is now recognized vastly by businesses due to its fast responses and services. Therefore, the IoT will definitely have a massive impact on the future of digital marketing as it continues to evolve.

If you want to grow your business frequently or you have any questions regarding this, contact us at info@ontogendigital.com. Subscribe to our blog for more interesting insights and trends, also, don’t forget to check out our other blogs.