The number of internet users around the world

From a macro view point, there is an estimated 1.67 billion internet users or 24.7% of the world’s population who goes online with the majority coming from right where we are, Asia.

A further breakdown of the statistics indicate the internet penetration rate by countries, which we would drill deeper into the local context, Singapore, being one of the most connected countries in terms of ICT development, has a whopping internet penetration rate of 67% and rising. This is from a population of 4.99 million as of 28 September 2009. That would make up approximately 3.5 million internet users, and 1 million home broadband subscribers cramped up on the little island itself.

Adding further, Singapore was recently ranked the 4th strongest mobile market in the world. Having 1,310 mobile phone subscribers per 1,000 population and an ever growing 3G market, we would have yet another load of mobile internet users on the go.

Number of mobile phone users in Singapore

With these astounding figures in mind, reaching out to the local audience online should always be considered for your marketing mix. Having said that, choosing the right internet marketing channels objectively, with reference to your target audience’s demographics and psychographics, is important as well. Do not simply attempt the online medium blindly if I should say. Marketing with insights and understanding the trends is highly significant for a successful online campaign.

So if your planning permits, do not discount the online media and approach your target audience holistically through a combination of both offline and online channels for your strategic marketing campaign.