Smart Tech is Top Online Marketing Trend for 2014

Sorry for the absence. I'm back in time to kick off the New Year with the hottest online marketing trends for 2014.

The 2014 marketing prediction articles are circulating right and left this week. This article by Entrepreneur listed  the top 10 hottest trends for the upcoming year. Smart objects take the number two spot on their list. It seems like smart technology took 2013 by storm with companies launching their latest and greatest mobile device, tablet, etc. We saw the launch of the iPhone 5 this year and Apple has announced they will launch their iPhone 6 in the fall.

Technology seems to be leaning towards sci-fi trends such as watches that double as a computer/smart phone. One of the latest trends is Google Glass. Last year, Google launched these funky wearable glasses (which look like space age sunglasses) that double as a basic computer. Google is expected to launch a better and more improved (and less expensive) version this year, but it's not expected to be released until May.

Other hot tech trends that will help online marketers target the mobile/smart crowd:

• iPhones & iPads will have bigger displays
• Smartwatches 
• Smartphones to be improved with better high-resolution & curved displays

Keep "smart objects" in mind when developing your online marketing strategy this year. Make sure that your online marketing campaigns and content read well and look good on mobile/smart devices. Build websites that are mobile and user-friendly, and understand how your smart tech audiences think and act. They are busy and on-the-go, and they want information that's quickly accessible. Also, make sure to get on board with a smart device - yes, it's time to get rid of that outdated flip phone and join the 21st century.

Wishing you much success & prosperity in 2014! 
-Therese

What Does Our Social Media Future Look Like?

Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a happy, healthy and safe holiday season.

Where is our social media future headed? The following Microsoft video dates back from 2009 but its impact still hits home as we begin 2011.  The video features what our technology future looks like in 2019 - which is just eight years away. 

This Microsoft video made me think about where our social media future is headed - what trends will we see in 2011 and beyond?

Here are some trends to watch for this year:

• Location-based marketing: Service-based companies such as restaurants, hotels, and retailers will see a huge spurt as people feel more comfortable using FourSquare and other location-based apps.
• Mobile marketing campaigns: Text campaigns for mobile users will explode this year. Small business owners will take advantage of this affordable mobile marketing. A great way to connect easily and quickly with customers!
• Cause social marketing & tweet-a-thons: Charities and non-profits will jump on board and utilize Twitter to mobilize their online fundraising campaigns. This is great for promoting causes and building relationships with online donors - the future of non-profit fundraising! 
• More review sites: We'll see an influx of consumer-review sites - an effective way to track your online reputation, and allows you to pay attention to what customers and clients say about your company brand.
• Plug-ins and more plug-ins: Plug-ins will skyrocket and hundreds more will surface each month to make our social networking easier and more efficient.

I can't even BEGIN to fathom what social media will look like in 2019. Or will something bigger and better come along to blow social media out of the water?

Where do you think social media is headed? What are your predictions for 2019?