What's hot in marketing today? Is social marketing just a trend? What about social retailing? The recession has impacted all companies in some shape or form. However, opportunities still remain for savvy marketers. How will you take advantage of the opportunities that still exist in this new decade? One way will be to help your customers to save money, to be more efficient, and to use their resources wisely. Here are ten dynamic marketing trends every marketer should know for the upcoming year.
10. Go-eco! It's more than a trend, different than just a lifestyle, it's a must. Meaningful changes are underway. Make it easy to be green and sustainable.
9. The world is your oyster. Know the cultures that you're selling to. Go virtual and foster those real-world, real-time connections.
8. Go live on Saturday night. And Sunday, and Monday. Consumers are looking for real time interactivity. They want reviews, they want knowledge. Make sure you can give them what they want, when they want it. Real time product reviews are becoming the consumer mainstay. Before a purchase, consumers look to what others have written. No comments available? It's suspicious. Don't be caught off-guard.
7. Forget the box. Think outside your comfort zone. This recessionary period has changed consumer mindsets, perhaps for good. Find the products and market opportunities that are new and emerging. Take a look at the companies who are doing it differently like Southwest Airlines, Apple and Google. Their business-as-unusual works because it gives consumers choices they never knew they wanted.
6. Be social. Provide meaningful interactions on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. These interactions allow the user control over their conversations with you, it's a push strategy. Make it easy for like-minded consumers and potential buyers and prospects to interact with your brand. You even get to oversee, and respond to what's being said. How cool is that? Make sure to use your resources wisely, however, as some of these social butterflies can be a drag on time and money. Find out what pays you back.
5. Early adopters are ready and waiting. What's new, fun and exciting. The best new eco-friendly product. Some consumers still have the money and are willing to spend on those products that meet or exceed their expectations.
4. Be kind, rewind. Leveraging the eco-friendly movement, volunteerism and giving back become meaningful exchanges. Look at Toms Shoes, Target and Starbucks' fair trade program. Social responsibility is hot. Some consumers are looking to spend their money with companies whose values match their own.
3. Keep it simple. Make your web experiences clear, easy to read and easy on the eyes. Listen to your consumers, give them what they want...ask them!
2. Email. It's still the social communication gateway and one of the most inexpensive ways to communicate with your customers. Think it's an old strategy? Dream up new ways to make it new again.
1. Go mobile. It's becoming the consumer lifeline to the outside world. With the popularity of the Iphone and it's apps, Blackberries, DROID, and other smartphones it's imperative to get mobile friendly.