Browsing before buying research

India relies on the Web, and search engines in particular, when it comes to choosing what to buy. Research conducted in India by Netpop Research, Llc, on behalf of Google India, to understand the influence of the Internet in purchase decisions shows that while most people use a search engine for shopping-related activities, over 60% say it helps them compare prices and learn more about a product they have heard of. Of particular interest for brands, though, is the fact that more than half of all respondents said the Internet is their preferred source for learning more about a new brand when compared with traditional options. And over 80% of those who saw online ads said these increased their interest in the brands or products advertised.