So long 2013, the New Year is here and so are new online marketing trends. Looking back on 2013, there were two prevalent themes, video and content. Video was everywhere, whether short or long, embedded in a website or placed on Vine or Instagram, it was the ticket for 2013.

Content also took a front seat in 2013 and companies really began to take notice of its importance. Now, as we enter 2014, those two themes will continue to still play a huge role in online marketing but there are some new trends on the horizon.

Content is Bigger than EVER

It’s been said a million times, content is king, but in years past it’s generally just been marketers that have said that phrase. In 2014, there will be greater departmental and company-wide support of content marketing. We’ll see more budget allotment for the creation, dissemination and staff of content marketing. As social media continues to be a bigger influence in buyer’s decision making, creating valuable content will be crucial in any business whether big or small.

Image-Based Content

There is a shift to more simplistic marketing messages, a less is more approach. With consumers being bombarded with so much information every day it will be increasingly more important to give them content quickly and make it easily digestible. That means image-based content will be more dominant than ever before. Video and image-based social media networks will continue to grow and as well as micro-videoing and Slideshare.

Mobile is a Must

According to a study by Morgan Stanley, based on the current rate of change and adoption, the mobile web will be bigger than desktop internet use by 2015. Use of smartphones and tablets is widespread and quickly growing, mobile-friendly will be necessary in 2014. Businesses that do not create mobile content will suffer and may lose customers to their competition. Location-based content marketing using mobile devices will also see a rise in the New Year. Businesses will be able to send flash deals, sales and coupons to mobile devices with GPS based on user’s current location.

The Year of Google+

All businesses should take notice, 2014 is the year of Google+. Next year its growth is projected to skyrocket in terms of both business and personal use. Google+ is attracting a significant following now that participation gets your business higher in the Google search rankings. Because Google+ collects more information on personal interests than say Facebook, it is better suited to business since messages can be targeted. Google+ is increasingly proving itself to be an integral part of Google’s in terms of SEO, social signals and providing a more personalized search experience. Google+ needs to be a part of every business’ social media mix for 2014, it is becoming the one size fits all social media network.

Planning Ahead

As we end 2013 and move into 2014, we will still need to focus on all things visual. Image-based content will still be huge and value-added content will be more important than ever. Mobile-friendly content will become necessary to remain competitive or get left behind. As Google+ and image and video-based network gain momentum, it will be interesting to see how Facebook and Twitter keep up with them. If you need assistance, Contact Us and we’ll help you with your online marketing strategy.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn – Monday:

So long 2013, the New Year is here and so are new online marketing trends. Looking back on 2013, there were two prevalent themes, video and content. Video was everywhere, whether short or long, embedded in a website or placed on Vine or Instagram, it was the ticket for 2013. Content also took a front seat in 2013 and companies really began to take notice of its importance. Now, as we enter 2014, those two themes will continue to still play a huge role in online marketing but there are some new trends on the horizon. #SocialMedia2014

Twitter – Monday:

The New Year is here and so are new online marketing trends. #SocialMedia2014   (blog)

Facebook – Tuesday:

The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet. The mission of the Webby is honoring excellence in Websites, Interactive Advertising & Media, Online Film & Video, Mobile & App, and Social Web. In 2012, NIKEiD won the Webby for best mobile site. http://judgeseyesonly.com/nikeid-mobile #Webbyawards

Twitter – Wednesday:  

The Webby Awards is the Internet’s most respected symbol of success. In 2012, NIKEiD won the Webby for best mobile site. Who should win for 2013? http://judgeseyesonly.com/nikeid-mobile #Webbyawards

Facebook – Thursday:

Video was by far the leader of all social media in 2013. We saw the rise of the micro-video with Vine and Instagram Video. Every business was creating video in some fashion. The second most shared marketing video on YouTube was Geico’s Hump Day Camel commercial. Funny stuff! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWBhP0EQ1lA #videocampaigns

Twitter – Friday:

The Geico Hump Day Camel commercial was the second most shared video on YouTube What video campaigns did you like in 2013? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWBhP0EQ1lA #videocampaigns