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With 2013 now quickly receding, it’s time to push full steam ahead into 2014. So before we steel ourselves to ring in the New Year, let’s take stock of some of the social media marketing trends that dominated 2013 and consider what they might mean for the year to come.

#1: Mobile madness

The migration to mobile has continued its steady progress. Despite this growth, users still rely on their desktop computers for a majority of web activities, most significantly working and online shopping. Using a variety of devices for specific activities will require targeted approaches to reach your desired audience. With this in mind, the coming year could be a great time to consider upgrading your brand’s mobile presence. More and more brands are introducing their own mobile apps, which customers are demonstrating they are more than happy to use. Whatever your brand’s approach might be in the coming year, remember that your focus must be on delivering a seamless, consistent customer experience. Encourage users to review any apps you produce, and take their feedback seriously.

#2: Online video advertising on the rise

One reason marketers are putting so much effort into platforms like YouTube and Vimeo is the continued rise of advertising in online video content, leading to reliable monetization for video producers and greater exposure for brands. Pre-video ads are becoming more common and longer in length, with 30-second ads becoming much more common than they were just a year ago. Because more people prefer mobile devices for browsing video and other media, look for reliable mobile advertising services to increase brand exposure in 2014.

#3: Is the daily deal dying?  

According to research by Social Media Examiner, marketers are moving away from daily deal sites like Groupon. And not just moving away—80 percent of the marketers surveyed said they had no plans to use these daily deal sites in the future. Marketers may be shying away from these models because of the perceived lack of profitability in the format. Some have been quick to point out that this is a somewhat shortsighted point of view, as the lifetime profitability of a satisfied customer base should more than offset any short-term losses from daily deals.

#4: Facebook in Transition

Users of the social giant Facebook have reported a noticeable rise in branded content. However, it is not known whether this rise in content is driving sales or engagement. In fact, this news comes at a time when more and more users are expressing either concern or dissatisfaction with using the platform. Facebook has admitted that the number of teens engaging on the platform is quickly declining. Even active marketers are sensing greater opportunities elsewhere, focusing the bulk of their branding efforts on Pinterest, Google+, Instagram, and YouTube. In the coming year, be sure you know where your audience is and how you can reach the right prospects, brand advocates, and influencers.

#5: The rise of the social boomer

The age 55+ demographic is becoming the fastest growing group of social media users. Two dynamics are likely at play here: (1) other demographic groups have already adopted social computing in large numbers, and (2) baby boomers have become convinced of the value of social media and are ready to climb on board. Brands would be wise to take notice of this trend, as the boomers’ increasing online presence will open up many new marketing opportunities, especially as this demographic group continues to move into its retirement years.

This post was originally published on AT&T’s Networking Exchange Blog.

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Below are recent endorsements for The Social Employee (McGraw-Hill, August 2013) by Tom Peters and David Aaker on their social networks, but if you want to see more of their endorsements click here.

Tom Peters CROP_W Favorite Biz Book Nov

 

Tom Peters (Twitter) attribution PPT

Tom Peters signature copy
In The Social Employee, we go behind the scenes with several leading brands—such as IBM, AT&T, Dell, Adobe, Southwest Airlines, Cisco, Acxiom, and Domo—pulling the lid off the inspiring social business success stories that have propelled these companies into the 21st century. These cutting-edge brands have all come to the same realization: the path to social business lies through empowering the social employee.

See what others are saying about The Social Employee and order your copy today!

 

Please check out @SocialEmployee media buzz! Click Here

Join @SocialEmployee Google+

“Great brands have always started on the inside, but why are companies taking so long to leverage the great opportunities offered by internal social media? . . . The Social Employee lifts the lid on this potential and provides guidance for businesses everywhere.” JEZ FRAMPTON, Global Chairman and CEO, Interbrand

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Amazon_agold-bookThe Social Employee offers an unparalleled behind-the-scenes look at the social business success stories of some of the biggest brand names in the business world, including IBM, AT&T, Dell, Adobe, Southwest Airlines, Cisco, Acxiom, and Domo. These cutting-edge brands have all come to the same realization: the path to social business lies through empowering the social employee.

The brands that leverage their employee base in order to engage customers and prospects through social media are the ones destined to win the marketing wars. This book not only details the astronomical rise of the social employee, but also outlines the innovative methods that leading companies have employed to foster cultures of enthusiastic and engaged workers.

FORMcGrawHill_RedEWORD by David C. Edelman, Global Co-Leader, Digital Marketing & Sales Practice, McKinsey & Company

AFTERWORD by Kevin Randall, Vice President of Brand Strategy & Research at
Movéo Integrated Branding, and a columnist for Fast Company and The Atlantic

Download ~> Free Chapter 3 – “Brands Under Pressure”

 

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