Mashable posted an article earlier this year on the 5 social media trends to keep an eye on. These trends included:
- Location
- Group Buying
- Mobile Ads
- Mobile Payments
- Social Media Policies
Seeing as it is almost 2011, I wanted to evaluate how important these 5 trends will be in years to come.
Location is predominately taking over the social media world, as Foursquare and Facebook places has evolved. For Foursquare users, they have a bit more to look forward to as Foursquare 2.0 is in the works. While location-based services may seem foolish to those who aren’t knowledgeable about them, they have actually become great marketing tools. With 2.0 on the way, Foursquare hopes to move beyond just ‘checking in.’
Most everyone has heard of the deal site known as Groupon, which allows you to type in your area code and walla you have local deals! As this concept has seemingly become more popular over recent months, more and more companies are jumping on this train. A new site called Barking Deals, has a daily pet product at a discount price. Popular pet products, such as the Kong, have already been featured on the site. Barking Deals discounted products include pet shampoo, toys, blankets, treats and any other imaginable product to spoil your four-legged friends with.
Mobile advertising has turned into a battle between Apple and Google, as Apple recently purchased AdMob. While Google phones have always seemed just a step away from Apple and the iPhone, the company is eagerly awaiting to hear what Apple has in store next. Unfortunately because mobile advertising is so new, we’re in a period of trial and error. Companies like LG have launched campaigns to promote upcoming movies, while also branding themselves. Regardless who is succeeding now, it’s all in who can discover the most successful way to reach consumers.
Remember the days when all you would hear about is to not put your credit card on the internet? Well that isn’t so much the case anymore. With the easy access smartphones provide, purchasing and paying for goods and services through mobile devices has become the norm. Companies like American Express, Bank of America and AT&T, all have applications for which one can pay their monthly bill.
With technology continuing to provide easy access to consumers alike, it is anticipated that computers will not be used as much in the future.
Nowadays companies are requiring their employees to follow social media policies, which attempt to keep individuals from browsing their personal pages during work hours. Social media policies include restrictions and rules for Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, blogs and also include a code of conduct. While most employees probably don’t understand the relevancy of having a policy, it is wise for all large companies to have one.
