With social media where it is today, there are few marketing options that possess the same speed, efficiency and reach as the internet. Small businesses today would be wise to take advantage of online marketing. Using online marketing on a regular basis is a good marketing strategy and is highly cost effective.
So far 2013 has proven to be another year in which the array of internet marketing vehicles, tools and strategies are continually increasing. The following is a list of ten of the hottest internet marketing trends that all businesses large or small should incorporate into their online marketing plan:
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1. Design, Design, Design
Design is crucial because it sells. Look at the success of Starbucks, Nike, Apple, and Pintrest. Their sites are all gorgeous and entertaining. Very clean lines, lots of imagery, great use of video ads all make for stunning websites that make web users stay within their pages. Apple is currently one of the highest valued companies and they offer very few products. Nike is a shoe company, yet they focused as much attention to their sites as they do on their shoe design. So, focus on a great design for your entire internet marketing campaigns in 2013.
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2. Parallex Design
Parallex web design utilizes scrolling techniques that involves the background image moving at a slower rate than the foreground images, creating a 3D effect. When used sparingly, the end product is a nice, subtle element of depth to your website’s look. Consider adding some element of parallex design to your website when moving forward in 2013.
3. Video matters!
More than 4 billion online videos are watched on a daily basis. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of videos watched are shared. Statistics indicate that a typical person will retain only ten percent (10%) of text they have read. That same person will retain nearly sixty percent of an image they have seen and ninety-five percent (95%) of a video they have watched. Clearly, the use of video when communicating your message really does matter.
4. Marketing is Visual
In alignment with the video argument, communication through visual means is hot and getting hotter. The internet is currently ingrained in a visual revolution. Twitter likes photos posted to Tweets to further re-enforce the message you are Tweeting. Facebook encourages embedded videos. Blogs like a combination of both photos and videos alternatively. Be sure to start thinking visual marketing when launching your 2013 online campaign.
5. Mobile and Multi-Screen Marketing
Currently there are over 5 billion online users and 1.1 billion smartphone subscribers. More than eighty-six percent (86%) of mobile internet users use their devices while watching television! More than 15,000 Tweets per second went out when Spain scored the winning goal against Italy in the 2012 European Championship. Be sure to acknowledge that we live in a multi-screen world and all of your online campaigns should be designed and developed not just for desktops, but all screens alike.
6. Cloud-Based Tools
In order to be super-efficient with your internet marketing efforts, you should be using cloud-based
tools. For email marketing, you might be using Constant Contact or MailChimp. For SEO, you might be using SEOmoz. For landing-page testing, you might be using Unbounce. For website analysis, you might be using BoostSuite. Be sure to check out all the unbelievably useful options available to you and then incorporate them as part of your online marketing strategy.
7. Social Media Marketing
Facebook has more than 1 billion users, and new Twitter accounts are opening at a rate of 135,000 per day. Undoubtedly, social media is a necessity for online marketing success. Although it be that social marketing is a great opportunity to get your products and services seen and heard, it is rather difficult to navigate. There are a number of platforms available to assist with managing and measuring your social media. The following are a few I would recommend: ShortStack for Facebook, FollowerWonk for Twitter and SproutSocial for all social media platforms.
8. Email Marketing
Email marketing is not to be overlooked. Email can be delivered to mobile devices and integrated nicely into your overall social media and online marketing strategies. Email is great for following up and offering additional opportunities and savings for future purchases. Email is effective for keeping your message alive through e-newsletters. Email has taken a beating as it is subject to legal requirements, consumer mistrust and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) blocking and filtering unwanted emails. But a rock solid email list developed through your subscriber blogs and websites can be most beneficial. Email can also re-target those who were within your website shopping cart but then abandoned the cart. Through an email you can send out a message asking for feedback. According to SeeWhy, twenty-six percent (26%) of those who abandoned an online cart will return to complete the purchase after receiving a re-marketing email.
9. Retargeting Goes Mainstream
Retargeting is a means of placing your advertisement in front of your audience after they have left your website without converting. Retargeting allows you an opportunity to remind people who left your website without converting of your value to solve their needs. Re-marketing email is one method of this practice. Pop-ups as the user is about to exit is another. You should be sure to incorporate these various methods to make a second pitch at the point of sale, should the consumer choose to abandon.
10. Holistic Approach to Online Marketing
Social media is remarkable for organic search. Social media encourages relevant content to your website through your social media efforts in promoting your corporate message. The integration of search and social media has been accelerated with the introduction of Google+ and Google’s Panda and Penguin search algorithm updates. The message being sent to website developers and online marketing specialists worldwide is that high quality and value matter to the search engines. Paid search is a legitimate way to encourage click-thru to your site, but not to just embed prepaid keywords throughout. This all translates to ensuring that high quality content, combined with sincere, transparent social media and targeted PR is the trifecta needed as part of your 2013 online marketing strategy.
