2013 Marketing Trends

We’ve listed below some of what we feel are the top marketing trends for 2013 to help you in your marketing endeavors.

- Go Mobile!  In 2012 more people purchased smart phones than laptops, meaning it’s more important than ever to make sure you incorporate a mobile site!  Also make sure your emails are mobile friendly.  There are lots of other mobile marketing options as well, such as apps, ads and messaging campaigns.

- A more level playing field when it comes to SEO (Search Engine Optimization).  SEO will be more about content, social media, as well as sharing and less about keywords and codes.  This is good news because it allows you the opportunity to increase your search engine rankings even if you don’t fully understand H1 tags and keywords.

- Marketing content will be less “wordy” and more media rich.  Content will be more picture and video driven.  People today want instant gratification and to get their information in the fastest, most visually pleasing way possible.  You know what they say, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”   The success of sites such as Pintrest and Instagram, not to mention Twitter, where content is shared quickly and in small portions, is proof of this.

- Content that isn’t just a sales pitch.  When connecting with your clients and prospective clients, don’t keep hitting them over the head with your sales pitch.  Provide information that is useful, educational and interesting.  Give people a reason to seek you out not only when they are looking to buy.

There are many marketing trends and strategies to sift through.  If you would like help sorting through all of the options and implementing the most effective for your business, please give us a call or drop us an email.

2010 Marketing Trends

Another year has come and gone and what a year 2009 turned out to be! With all of the financial fall out, there have been some definite changes in marketing trends. If you are wondering what some of the top trends are for 2010, keep reading:

• Consumer Opinions - Consumer's listen to other consumer's. Whatever your current client is saying about you will impact your future clients. Have you heard of Google's Sidewiki? The Sidewiki allows web visitors to leave feedback on any website for others to view. This trend is continuing to grow, so stay ahead of this trend by connecting with your customers and listening to what they have to say by soliciting their opinions and feedback for yourself. At the same time, monitor your web presence, go out there and see what others are saying about you.
  

• Value is more important than ever - Value has always been important. Now it is more important than ever. With the economy being the way it has been, people are more cautious than ever and want more "bang for their buck." Find out what needs are not being met for your clients and meet them. In 2010, customers are going to expect it.
  Social media - Of course social media isn't new, but in 2010 social media is a must. Facebook alone has over 300 million users and almost half log on EVERYDAY. Social marketing was at first thought of as a novelty, but is now considered a reliable method for businesses to engage customers. Customers are looking more and more to Twitter, Facebook and other social sites to gather information and other consumer opinions.
  

• Email marketing - Direct mail is declining and email marketing is on the rise. For either types of marketing to work, it's imperative that you collect customer data. You have to know your customer to effectively market to them. Data collection is becoming more important and as the data is collected, reaching out to customers via email is proving to be the preferred method.
  

• Offering your knowledge, tips and advice for free - Again, the economy is another reason for this trend. FREE attracts attention. If you are a web designer, offer free tutorials. If you are in real estate, offer free advice to buyers via a blog to help them get more out of their sale. Show people that you are an expert in your field and build good will by offering free advice.
  

To be a successfull company, make sure you stay ahead of the trends. It's counter-productive to play "catch up." Blaze a trail, stay ahead of the curve and you will make it through the difficult times.