Men outshine women in making online purchases

Wednesday, 04 February 2009 11:47

The study also highlights that as more women ages 55 and older become Internet users, the gap would be gradually reduced. It is believed that the Web population will decrease, from 51.1% in 2008 to 50.5% in 2013.

Karin von Abrams, eMarketer senior analyst and author of the new report, UK Men Online has this to say. “Obviously, in absolute numbers, the gap between men and women online in the UK is not great but if you look closely at what the genders tend to do online, you find many differences that marketers should consider.”

The online activities of male Internet users in the UK are evolving.

“Beyond news and shopping, other longstanding favorites, such as e-mail and search, remain popular,” says Ms. von Abrams. “Portals are also among men’s most-visited sites.”

According to comScore Media Metrix, social networks saw the largest gains with UK men, attracting 11% more unique male visitors in November 2008 than in November 2007.