Techno S a v v y

Companies have been forced to keep up with technology to both entertain and inform customers by using new media, such as, blogs, videos, webisodes, webinars, and more. Consumers are in the driver seat and they're asking top companies, what can your website do for me? Web producers are expected to come up with creative ways to encourage customers to visit their website, remain there as long as possible, and return back regularly.

People are going to the Walgreens website to check out weekly ads, print out coupons, refill prescriptions, get info about diseases and conditions from the 'Health Library'. There is an animated feature where people can view animated videos of liposuction, cosmetic surgery, the effect of tobacco use on arteries and many more.




More things the site is useful for is finding the closest Walgreens, checking for the product you've been meaning to pick up or find a recipe for dinner tonight. There is plenty to learn when searching through this site. There's health calculators, contests, promotions, recall info, and photo



'Health Corner' TV is where walgreeners can watch several short informative health segments. If you have a child on the way or you're looking for guidance with children, take a minute to look at 'Moms Who Blog: Kids Corner' where mothers can get tips on things from keeping children safe in the summer to the proper dosage of certain medicines. Pssst... Walgreens -- You might want to put a link to this blog on your home page instead of counting on people to type 'blog' into the search box. It's a great idea, flaunt it! While you're at it, what about blogs for young professionals, seniors, or photo help for the digitally challenged? Speeches by CEO, Jeffrey A. Reins, should be put online for investors, employees, customers to hear.

The Walgreens P.R. team seems to be on top of the new media developments. I think they should engage their CEO more, by putting a blog video on the site. Their 'Halloween Headquarters' page was a little disappointing. I expected a more fun, interactive, and costume filled page, but instead its a little boy in a pirate costume and picture prices. Holidays are a perfect opportunity to be creative. They could link to a Halloween game and have a little more fun with it. I love the Halloween photo contest idea, but there should be a link on the home page for this to get more people involved. It's not even October yet, there's still time!

It's a challenge, but techno s a v v y companies are increasing customer satisfaction, bettering their reputation, and gaining more consumers in the process. It's P.R. utopia! Business is no longer: hello, purchase, goodbye. The corporation-customer relationship is more important than ever and new media is raising the communication bar.