The Longer Long Tail: How Endless Choice is Creating Unlimited Demand

Longer Long Tail

Long Tail is a retailing concept characterizing  the niche strategy of selling a large number of unique items in relatively small quantities – usually in addition to selling fewer popular items in large quantities. The concept was popularised by Chris Anderson in an October 2004 Wired magazine article, in which he mentioned Amazon.com and Netfixas examples of businesses applying this strategy. He then profoundly elaborated the Long Tail concept in his book The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More. The concept of the Long Tail has transformed modern retail. Traditional businesses converges on getting as much value as possible from a small number of products, thereby constricting consumer choice. They focus on what’s called the ‘top’ products. They may be getting more sales from a small number of products, but they are losing a lot of money because they’re not carrying a large variety of products consumers can choose from. It has essentially one big idea—that the nature of demand has changed fundamentally in the modern world. Presently, you can see a considerable proportion of the total demand in majority of product categories comes from items that individually sell in very small numbers, rather than mostly from the hit products which sell in huge numbers.

The market in the future will be much less homogeneous than today’s markets. Instead, they will have countless small and dynamic niches. Chris Anderson’s “Long Tail” is an engaging observation of the market’s current state, distribution media and modern technology. These factors have led to a niche market and drifting away from mass consumption products. Chris Anderson convincingly points out that profits are to be found in niche products. That entrepreneurs must exploit the power of  modern technology in reaping the fruits this newly found rich market has to offer. Conventionally, markets were driven by products which were consumed densely and this translated into fewer products that drive sales and profits. The 80:20 formula, where eighty percent of profits were made by twenty percent of goods, compelled marketers to push fewer items. In an interesting phrase called the ‘tyranny of locality’, the author submits that traditional goods which are sold in supermarkets are restricted in their reach because of the physical constraint. Democratization process has made the long tail phenomenon viable. People can now compete with larger institutions in spheres like writing, film making, animation and other creative pursuits with the use of digital tools. Reaching out to niche markets has been very feasible as prices of digital products and distribution cost has severely decreased pushing the demand down the tail.

The book discusses the nine rules of the long tail:

  1. Move inventory way in… Or way out: This refers to the use of digital goods or to use warehouses of partners in order to save cost of carrying inventory.
  2. Let customers do the work: Customer review and rating have become a rage on the internet. Amazon and eBay have mastered the art of using the sales channel, both consumers and producers, to provide product reviews.
  3. One distribution method doesn’t fit all: The assumption that all customers prefer the same sales channel has to be ammended. Traditional retail outlets, online resources and other niche markets have to be distributed simultaneously to cater to different customer profiles.
  4. One product doesn’t fit all, either: ‘Microchunk’ is a phrase coined to denote products which can be used in parts, as a whole or by mixing and matching them. For example, news content can be fed via RSS to individual consumers in countless ways.
  5. One price doesn’t fit all: Markets are ever price sensitive. Converting potential customers into buyers can be possible by giving a flexible pricing schemes.
  6. Share information: Today’s consumer is spoilt for choice. Helpful information required to make an intelligent purchase should be made available, in order to ensure that consumer makes the right and informed choice.
  7. Think ‘and,’ not ‘or’: This refers to a psychology of abundance as against that of scarcity. Mobilizing consumers to buy many products instead of making a choice between them.
  8. Trust the market to do your job: In a market of abundance, one should not predict the outcome. Let the market force take their own course. Learning from experience is a better way of altering marketing strategies as a response.
  9. Understand the power of free: Though things change, yet they remain the same. The power of freebies should not be undervalued. This book is a detailed analysis of how niche markets are on the rise courtesy of better distribution. A wonderful book!

Buy this book on Amazon: The Longer Long Tail: How Endless Choice is Creating Unlimited Demand



119 responses so far, want to say something?

  1. Hockessin says:

    These tips are so true

  2. Margarito Lockerz says:

    Howdy. First I desire to say that I really like your website, just discovered it the past week but I have been following it constantly since then.

    I seem to consent with most of your ideas and opinions and this submit is no exception.

    Thank you for the great blog and I hope you retain up the good function. If you do I will keep on to checked out it.

    Have a fantastic day.

  3. Stefani Kissi says:

    Nice one! If I could write like this I would be well chuffed. The more I read articles of such quality as this (which is rare), the more I think there could be a future for the Web. Keep it up, as it were.

  4. Letisha Mayhugh says:

    Although I would’ve preferred if you went into a little bit more detail, I still got the gist of what you meant. I agree with it. It might not be a popular idea, but it makes sense. Will definitely come back for more of this. Great work

  5. chase online banking says:

    Hey, I just hopped over to your site via StumbleUpon. Not somthing I would normally read, but I liked your thoughts none the less. Thanks for making something worth reading.

  6. reyeZZo says:

    I really like when people are expressing their opinion and thought. So I like the way you are writing

  7. Palmer Bohart says:

    Super-Duper site! I am loving it!! Will come back again – taking you feeds also, Thanks.

  8. kosmetyczka Tarchomin says:

    I am quite interesting in this topic hope you will elaborate more on it in future posts

  9. Ivana Ormes says:

    I have been checking out your posts for the last few hours, and it all has been very informative and well written. I just wanted to tell you that for some reason this entry doesn’t seem to work in Internet Explorer. On a side note, I was wondering if you wanted to swap blogroll links? My website is Router Table Plans if you’re interested. I hope to hear from you soon!

  10. Youtube Proxy says:

    Hey, I just hopped over to your site via StumbleUpon. Not somthing I would normally read, but I liked your thoughts none the less. Thanks for making something worth reading.

  11. hertfordshire catering says:

    Genuinely loved reading your post. I found your website via yahoo. Rather stimulating subject material. Have saved your web-site. Look forward to looking through other pages on your blog. Jan

  12. Quincy Lapeyrolerie says:

    so this can be exactly what will become of darwanism

  13. Thai Lantern says:

    Good morning!
    I’ve been doing a lot of research online lately regarding traffic and Search Engine Optimization since I just opened up an Thailand online shop with a couple of friends of mine.
    The structure of your WordPress blog is awesome and I’d really like to exchange links with your website. Have a look at our website if you want, we put a lot of work and effort into it and are dedicated to improve it constantly.
    We receive a lot of hits already (contact me for visitor stats) and I think both our sites can benefit from one another. Anyway, just thought I’d share my thoughts with you – keep up the good work and contact me if interested!

  14. Verdie Cichlid says:

    Wow… interesting information.

  15. Viromike says:

    How you find ideas for articles, I am always lack of new ideas for articles. Some tips would be great

  16. Tracey Schnorbus says:

    Well, the article is really the best on this worthw hile topic. I harmonise with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your upcoming updates. Saying thanks will not just be adequate, for the fantasti c lucidity in your writing. I will immediately grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates. Fabulous work and much success in your business endeavors!

  17. Sebastian Krul says:

    I don’t usually reply to posts but I will in this case.

  18. Florentino Cinnamon says:

    I choose make unflinching and bookmark this servant, I commitment come endorse to succeed you more.

  19. Titus Sikorski says:

    Hi, your post would make for genuine effective studying. presently there is not sufficient blogs outthere which incorporate outstanding reading material, large thumbs up from me and i’ll be hanging around quite a bit in the future.

  20. PATRICIA says:

    Thank you for sharing this. Well done and very informative.

  21. San Diego Real Estate says:

    I like the first point you made there, but I am not sure I could reasonably apply that in a postive way.

  22. Guillermo Gump says:

    thanks lots, I have to say your website is excellent!

  23. Max says:

    Howdy, I’m a long-time lurker and also have been too shy to submit a comment.

  24. Download music says:

    Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.

  25. Bok Pezzullo says:

    Thanks dude, I never new that, thankyou.

  26. Swiss Ball Exercises says:

    this post is very usefull thx!

  27. Watch Twilight Eclipse says:

    lol some of the observations most people write are so silly, commonly i question whether they even read the pieces and threads before writing a comment or whether or not they merely skim the post title and publish only the first thought that drifts into their minds. anyways, it’s good to browse sensible commentary occasionally compared to the same, old oppinion vomit that i typically discover on the web

  28. download mp3s says:

    It was an absolute pleasure to read through your creation with all the interesting subject you write about. My mind went wild with all the detailed words you used. Please continue to grace us with your work as it is really enjoyed.

  29. shopping online says:

    Online shopping is rapidly becoming the first choice of people in the world for modernized or traditional shopping. Gradually, online shopping is being accepted as the new and fashionable way of shopping. It is becoming popular because people have many other things to do in their busy life and shopping online saves time in numerous ways.

  30. study abroad scholarships says:

    well written blog. Im glad that I could find more info on this. thanks

  31. Internet Marketing says:

    There are certainly a lot of details like that to take into consideration. That is a great point to bring up. I offer the thoughts above as general inspiration but clearly there are questions like the one you bring up where the most important thing will be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged around things like that, but I am sure that your job is clearly identified as a fair game.

  32. TomPier says:

    great post as usual!

  33. Mesothelioma says:

    Good to see a collection of relevant information.I really hate Blogs with all advertisement,but your blog is something which i can describe a unique blog made to provide Info.I have added your blog to my list of daily surfing blog.Greetings

  34. serrated knife sharpeners says:

    I was’nt sure I would like this site since it was about The Longer Long Tail: How Endless Choice is Creating Unlimited Demand but I was wrong and thought it was cool and found it on Bing . Thanks and I’ll be back as you update.

  35. Hindi sms says:

    Hey friend can i publish some paragraph of your article on my little blog of university.I have to create a good articles out there and i really think your post Fits best into it.I will be glad to give you an source link as well.I have two blogs one my own and the other which is my college blog.I will write some part in the university blog.Hope you do not mind.Greetings

  36. Free iPhone says:

    Free iPhone…

    Great stuff, will bookmark this and add your RSS to my feeds….

  37. Pharmacy technician certification exam says:

    Keep posting stuff like this i really like it

  38. Brandee Wagoner says:

    I Really recognize what your position in this issue is. While I should disagree on several of the finer details, I think that you did an astounding job explaining it. Definitely beats having to research it on my own. Cheers.

  39. Zona Proto says:

    Very nice post I enjoy your website keep up the good articles.

  40. central coast solicitors says:

    I didn’t quite follow this at first. But when I checked it out a fourth time, it all became clear. Thanks for the insight. Absolutely something to think about.

  41. citibank internet banking says:

    Hey mate, thanks for writing but this page isn’t vewable in Safari it is doubled up.

  42. www.onlinecasinotx.com says:

    You got a surely practical blog I have been here reading as a replacement for upon an hour. I am a newbie and your success is jolly much an sparkle seeking me.

  43. Sean Paaske says:

    Hello could I use some of the content from this blog if I provide a link back to your site?

  44. playslotmachines says:

    You may participate in not intended to do so, but I think about you partake of managed to state the state of rail at that a oceans of people are in. The discrimination of wanting to expropriate, but not meaningful how or where, is something a piles of us are present through.

  45. medical assistant says:

    this post is very usefull thx!

  46. Lacresha Wendorf says:

    As a Newbie, I am always searching online for articles that can help me. Thank you

  47. Connie Stryker says:

    It is truly a headache when i am not able to find something which i was searching for. Specially with yahoo search engine I think they are just become crazy. Atleast i found your blog and got to read what i was looking for. Thank you

  48. Lucas Free says:

    Thanks for your article. Much appreciated. You normally have to search through loads of garbage to locate a little bit of good information! Any one know the number one website to get freebies inside the United kingdom?

  49. nursing says:

    I have to say, I enjoy this blog. Maybe you could tell me how I can go about keeping up to date with it? I feel I should let you know I stumbled upon your website through MSN.

  50. Patterson Parks says:

    This type of money making has been a big breakthrough for me.

  51. pharmacy tech says:

    What a great resource!

  52. Ovel Inad says:

    Hi, thanks so much for these tips! My blogs usually do bring readers and responses. One thing I do is engage with the readers. Answer questions in responses and make clarifications where needed. I think they appreciate that I take the time to talk to them.

  53. Gayle Scarduzio says:

    Very shorts, simple and easy to understand, bet some more comments from your side would be great.

  54. emt training says:

    found your site on del.icio.us today and really liked it.. i bookmarked it and will be back to check it out some more later

  55. best pda for rn says:

    You wouldn’t believe it but I have wasted all day digging for some content articles about this. You’re a lifesaver, it was an excellent study and has helped me out to no end. Cheers,

  56. landlubber199 says:

    How about another blog like this? I thought it was interesting. I dabbled in creative writing back in my youth, and this has the two most critical parts of a good article, informative and fun to read. Cheers.

    Mary Fisher
    Billabong shirts

  57. free samples says:

    Well I’d rather not leave something that is going to anger anyone by me being too opinionated that might see my comment lol so I’ll just say it was a good read and who knows maybe I’ll leave something a little more substantial later on. reply by: Free Makeup Samples

  58. best pda on the market says:

    This is really a excellent blog posting and really helpful. I truly appreciate the study you put into it

  59. admin says:

    Don’t you know that it is something that will spark a conversation? Just don’t write something rude. Expressing one’s opinion is free anyway.

  60. Miriam Nokes says:

    I’ve recently started a blog, the info you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Appreciate your time & work.

  61. Dane Pettersen says:

    Hi there, awesome site. I thought the topics you posted on were very interesting

  62. Gerda Swatman says:

    I certainly like your web site layout it’s so clean, simple to read.

  63. bets sports says:

    Thanks a million for this, I am greatful for the info

  64. Lacresha Follin says:

    Hello,I discover that your web log is incredibly informative and useful and we were interested if there is really a possibility of obtaining More articles or blog posts like this on your web site. If you willing to assist us out, we will be willing to compensate you… Best regards, Lacresha Follin

  65. games says:

    This blog is getting more traffic thanks to sites like Facebook and other social sites. Thanks for the cool article check for updates.

  66. Seo Services says:

    I wish more people would write blogs like this that are really helpful to read. With all the fluff floating around on the net, it is a great change of step to read a blog like yours instead.

  67. Kristal Elhadi, American Retail says:

    I am googling for my research on this topic. I’m so thankful what you posted adds new dimension to the data I’m compiling. I truly value the way in which you look at this subject, it provided me a unique way of looking at it now. Thanks for the share.

  68. nursing schools says:

    Great site. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to some friends!

  69. mickey mouse games says:

    I saw this really great post today!

  70. pozycjonowanie says:

    That is some inspirational stuff. Never knew that opinions could be this varied. Thanks for all the enthusiasm to offer such helpful information here.

  71. veterinary technician says:

    Keep posting stuff like this i really like it

  72. fat burning furnace free download says:

    This is very inspiring work you have created for us. Some people need to know that these things can happen to anyone. You have revealed to me a better view now.

  73. ebooksfree4u says:

    Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing! And I want to share with anybody on how to earn million money online easily.

  74. betting football says:

    Thanks a ton for this, I appreciate the info

  75. cfnm says:

    One of the best I have read so far. All details was well thought of and correctly written down. The best of luck in with your upcoming work.

  76. veterinary technician says:

    Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!

  77. Warner Guiga says:

    There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also.

  78. Warren Anglum says:

    You ought to really think about expanding this blog into a major voice in this niche. You clearly have a concrete handle of the topics everyone is searching for on this blog anyways and you could maybe even make a dollar or three off of some advertising. I would look into following recent news and raising the number of blog posts you make and I bet you’d begin receiving some good traffic in the near future. Just an idea, good luck in whatever you do!

  79. Heath Mola says:

    hey,just observed your Post when i google something and wonder what webhosting do you use for your blog,the speed is more faster than my website, i really need it.will back to check it out,many thanks!

  80. Candra Sionesini says:

    I really enjoyed this post. I can tell you put in a great deal of effort and time into this post. I will be back to read more as you post more!

  81. Queenie says:

    you’ve got a great personality.

  82. Edris Bitsuie says:

    Who knows what happens next… All I know is:

    Laugh at your problems; everybody else does. :)

  83. Viral Internet Marketing says:

    If you need viral internet marketing for your product(s) please see us for a free live consultation. BTW I ordred a free trial of your product.

  84. Dalton Wolfertz says:

    Hey! I am sorry for this lousy English. I have happened about your own website as well as My spouse and i really enjoy your own style. Might you tell me personally wherever could acquire a web template such as this kind of? be grateful for

  85. Edwardo Bizcassa says:

    Hello,perfect article,thanks for your share! and I want to know if i can this text in my website if I put a link back to yours? Waiting for your reply!

  86. Luigi Fulk says:

    Outstanding read, I just handed this onto a friend who was doing a little investigation on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him…. smile.. So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!But yeah Thank you for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.

  87. Make Money Online says:

    Looking forward to getting more and more information from your site, I found it on Bing and it is turning into a web site I visit regularly for info and insight when writing articles as they relate to my website.

  88. Valentine Bolstad says:

    I wish more people would write blogs like this that are actually fun to read. With all the fluff floating around on the net, it is rare to read a blog like yours instead.

  89. consumersguides says:

    Excellent job.

  90. Tyson F. Gautreaux says:

    Hi, how are you? because i like your unique site, i would feel very special to blog a multimedia review about your great webblog in this little would you grant me permission to? Stock Forums

  91. Online Nursing says:

    Nice blog!

  92. Pimp Car Pioneer says:

    Thank you, fine article.

  93. professional cleaning service says:

    I\’m happy I found this blog, I couldnt discover any info on this subject matter prior to. I also run a site and if you want to ever serious in a little bit of guest writing for me if possible feel free to let me know, i\’m always look for people to check out my site. Please stop by and leave a comment sometime!

  94. Issac Maez says:

    Great blog but i honestly cant say i 100% agree with you.

  95. Carroll B. Merriman says:

    Beautifly written, you could include some pictue’s tho couldent you?

  96. Romeo Ruddle says:

    Hi I attempted to sign up to your RSS and the link seems to be broken. How can i get around this?
    Thanks

  97. Keiko Buttner says:

    hehe… thank you for writing about this. You make me easy today… :)

  98. Estela34Howard says:

    I received my first mortgage loans when I was 25 and it helped my relatives a lot. Nevertheless, I require the student loan again.

  99. Juliana Adeyemo says:

    Just wanted to say you have a great site and thanks for posting!

  100. Fxboyhulaa says:

    Wo…Nice Blog, Nice tips, Great article!, I have recently started a blog, the information you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work. Well Come Back To My Blog [url=http://www.forexdatatoday.com/]Forex Trading[/url]
    http://www.forexdatatoday.com

  101. auto shippers says:

    Wierd , your website shows up with a red hue to it, what color is the primary color on your site?

  102. Make Money Online says:

    I’ve been into blogging for quite some time and this is definitely a great post. I signed up for your newsletter, so please keep up the informative posts!

    Good luck on your blog, and feel free to comment and subscribe to my blog as well when you get a chance: Make Money Online with Dino Vedo.

  103. Jenee Goodnow says:

    Great post thx a lot !

  104. Car Radio Wire says:

    Thank you very much. Sunny article

  105. Jerold Saxe says:

    Damn, very nice website. I actually came across this on Ask Jeeves, and I am happy I did. I will definately be coming back here more often. Wish I could add to the post and bring a bit more to the table, but am just absorbing as much info as I can at the moment.

    Thank You

    watch free movie online

  106. Cho Yung Tea says:

    Hey this is a great story. I’m going to email this to my buddies. I stumbled on this while surfing for some information on SQL, I’ll be sure to come back. thanks for sharing.

  107. admin says:

    Hi there.. I have been getting lots of really great comments and they are very much appreciated, Thank you for stopping by site hope you gained some good ideas.. I do have alot of traffic, I teach how to do this through outsourcing.. If you would like my free Ebook on some tips on how to do this, go to http://www.dadswhowanttoworkathome.com to your success, David Stirzaker :)

  108. admin says:

    Hello, Thankyou for the appreciation on the layout of my site. I strongly recommend outsourcing the design, if you want a profetional looking site for your self.. I teach how to do this through outsourcing.. If you would like my Free Ebook on some tips on how to do this, go to http://www.dadswhowanttoworkathome.com and put in your name and Email.. All the best David Stirzaker

  109. avi movie player says:

    Hello this is amazing site! really cool and it will be a new inspirations for me

  110. Len Sowards says:

    Although running a business sounds cool and all that. But in fact, I think you have to form a schedule so that you don’t get too involved. I liked that stuff you talked about “life is balance”. Maybe hiring someone do your work is a smart idea.

  111. Traditional Chinese Herbs says:

    I really fondness the matter to you shared. Thank you pro rearrangement.

  112. Frank Blackwell says:

    I think I have been looking for something interesting to read about various topics, but I try to include you every day I read, because you have, I look forward to an interesting blog entry.Here’s hoping there’s a lot more great material coming! Here is hope that more great material coming!

  113. Regine Eliseo says:

    lot of good information, I come here all the time and am very happy with your updates, Thank you!

  114. cartucce vuote says:

    I really like your blog and i respect your work. I’ll be a frequent visitor. How can I subscribe to RSS?

  115. Krav Maga says:

    I can see you’re an expert at your field! I am launching a web site soon, and your details is going to be very interesting for me.. Thanks for all your support and wishing you all the success.

  116. Edu University says:

    Great information you write it very clean. I’m very lucky to get this details from you.

  117. Acid Reflux says:

    Well I just want to let you know your sites layout is all messed up on the K-meleon browser, anyhow keep the good work.

  118. healthcarecountry says:

    Hmmm…very good to find out, there have been without a doubt a number of elements that I had not idea of before.

  119. Jo Walton says:

    Hi there, I found your blog via Google blogsearch and your post looks very interesting for me.

Leave a Reply

CIMG0324CIMG0320CIMG0232CIMG0212CIMG0198CIMG0213CIMG0194CIMG0220CIMG0199CIMG0221CIMG0177CIMG0176