A recent survey of 18-34-year-old college students and recent grads found that online advertising motivates them to purchase products or services, according to a survey by Experience, Inc. (via iMediaConnection). The "2006 Online Advertising: Habits" survey found that the age group spends a significant amount of time online researching products and services before purchasing - and when they do purchase, it's online.

Some 98 percent of college students said they have made a purchase of a product or service online; 52 percent said they have purchased a product or service based on an online advertisement; and 34 percent find online advertising the most influential means to get them to learn more about a product or service.

Some 41 percent of respondents said online advertisements would resonate if they are related to the content being read or viewed; 34 percent said a contest or promotion that presents them with some value would motivate them to act on the advertisement; and 17 percent said they would respond to a banner ad that is based on their profile or online behavior.