online product placement

Today the internet is extremely popular, so its not suprising that companies have begun to place products on websites. Affina has expanded its company to include a service which places products in the context of web sites. (Affina website can be found here) Affina will pay website owners on a CPM basis and advertisers will pay Affina on a per click basis. Prices will vary from deal to deal and could change based on performance. Affina is able to track click throughs and also determine which users actually complete a transaction. As with all product placement, Affina will work with advertisers and website owners to make the placement as relevant and seamless as possible.

Of course it is natural that product placement should expand from television to the internet, however, it may be difficult to make the placements relevant. While it will probably be less irritating than pop-up ads, consumers may get frustrated with the placements or feel that they create clutter and prevent them from reading the actual website material. However, some may find it helpful. For example, if you are researching different types of digital cameras and connections to the Cannon website come up. The consumer may have been saved time looking for the Cannon website and the link will make it easier for them to do their research. Time will tell what the consumer reaction will be to online product placement.