The world of marketing and advertising is an ever changing place. There are some constants that will never change. There are some fads that grow and disappear before we have time to add them to our to-do lists. Somehow we are into the year 2010. This is more than just another year. This is the start of another decade. Each decade gets just a few things forever attached to it. What’s next?
Social Networking
I felt obligated to address this first. Social networking isn’t going away. Depending on your business and your target market, you probably should be involved in at least one venue. Don’t spread yourself too thin and don’t do anything half-way. Don’t expect to sell directly via social networking. Do expect to make business connections. Do expect to waste spend considerable time on these ventures.
I predict businesses are going to demand more concrete numbers showing the impact of their social networking investments. The excuse, “it’s hard to say what the tangible benefits are,” isn’t going to stand. Social networking as business marketing has moved from the experimental phase to decision making territory.
Word Of Mouth
This is and always will be the best form of advertising. Negative word of mouth spreads like wildfire, but something exceptionally good can spread almost as well.
It’s funny; I think that a big part of the need for society to be so “connected” is actually a lack of human interaction and too much time with technology (I guess that’s a subject for another time). Nothing replaces human interaction. Provide the best customer service possible and people will remember.
Try doing something really human in 2010 and beyond. Send out a hand-written thank you cards or follow up your business interaction with a phone call.
Website
The traditional website is going to make more transformations in 2010. It needs to be more interactive now. The business website needs to allow its visitors ultra quick ways to interact. Ditch the flash animation. We know you paid a lot for it, but now it just looks gaudy and dated. Instead make sure there is place for feedback, comments, and links to your favorite social networking vice.
*For a free “2010 Website Review” email terra@fletcherfreelance.com or call (715) 584-6773 today.
Online Video
YouTube is ranked second only to Google. Never before has it been so easy and inexpensive to share video with the world. Your video doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, but it does have to be good. A well-scripted, but natural video is best. If you sell a product you probably should have a demo of how to properly use it. Promote a 2010 event with video footage from the 2009 event. Restaurants- show your chef making their most requested entrée. Offices post a tour of your building.
Information Overload
You’ve seen the commercials about search overload. It’s more than just search overload that we are facing. Never before has one had the ability to acquire so much information so fast. The problem is that the quality of information has never been so poor. Attention spans are short and audiences don’t want to wade through swamp water to find what they’re looking for. Content is King; like never before. People are looking for clean, simple, and direct.
To stand above the muck, marketing campaigns need to be different. Websites need fresh, relevant content. Commercials should not shout or feature fast-talkers. Individuals need to see transactions as personal and relationship based. They want to do business with someone that looks professional and successful.
For more personalized 2010 marketing plans and suggestions please contact terra@fletcherfreelance.com or call (715) 584-6773 today. It’s not too late to write your 2010 marketing plan.
No comments:
Post a Comment