Journal of Applied Marketing Theory, Vol 1, No 1 (2010)

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Comparing Credibility: A Website versus Publicity

Marsha D. Loda, Barbara C. Coleman, William C. Norman, Marie Esposito

Abstract


Web sites and publicity in mass media are two commonly used marketing elements. However, it is unclear whether exposure to a Web site or publicity (both used to create “buzz”), is most effective at influencing behavior. This research compares the effectiveness of magazine publicity and a tourism destination Web site on the choice of a spring break destination. Based on this analysis, a Web site is no more credible than a publicity article, nor does an Internet site create a more favorable attitude or greater purchase intent than does magazine-based publicity. Magazine articles emerged as equally effective to Web sites for most variables. This study shows that traditional magazine articles can still influence Millennials. Even with a study population of college students who use Web resources more than most other populations, this study reveals the importance and strength of publicity to the conversion of potential customers to a tourism destination.

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ISSN 2151-3236