Social Media in 2012

Posted by Ibea on Feb 21, 2012 in Ibeology | 0 comments

The Social Media scene is rapidly changing and how! Emerging trends like Social TV, Micro and Video-blogging could evolve as new tools for marketers to engage consumers in the coming time. Guys, as the future of social media continues to look bright, let’s look at what we can expect to look out for in the social media front in 2012.

• Integration with corporate websites: Big brands will increasingly be seen using social media space to integrate their content to get closer to their customers. Social media connect and user generated content will be one ways to get closer to the customers.

• ROI is still huge: Social media is expected to ‘perform’, i.e. become more result oriented in the future. Though ROI is a talked about area in social media, most marketers are still not using it to the fullest. But the future will see budgets growing and social and getting more important in the brand’s marketing mix. The conversion rate and measurable returns from social channels will be something that will be closely watched out for.

• Social Media Advertising to grow: Popular social marketing channels like Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin will become great avenues to advertise, market and gain profits. It will no longer be a medium to only interact and connect with friends and colleagues. It will surely go beyond that in terms of business.

• Social T.V. Integration: Many shows have already begun to integrate social TV, social media into their programming. This has been done either through polling or integrating social elements in the show. It has great potential to be included in political broadcasts. Some of these attempts have been significant in engaging consumers. Sharing experiences with other viewers and interacting with them through Smart T.V. will be something a lot of consumers will actively start engaging themselves with. T.V. will be seen going online in a big way!

• Search Socialization: Huge amount of information is already being shared socially, now personal and location based search is what individual users can expect. This will cater to the need of real-time information that most of us have nowadays, which includes checking for recommendations, suggestions, coupons and loyalty programmes linked with restaurants, eateries, hotels, shops etc. Location device will form an integral part of majority of marketing campaigns.

• Content Curation: The demand for quick (to the point), relevant and informative content continues to be on the rise. Today this is the kind of content people are increasingly looking at. Brands also have woken up to this reality, and are now catering to their customers with targeted messaging, with content that they are looking for. Content is being filtered and customized in a big way. Aggregation and content curation gain huge importance.

• Sharing on the rise: Facebook facilitates sharing. Users find it easy to share things, while on Facebook and also when outside it. Thanks to its graph technology. The internet isn’t as unknown or anonymous as it was in the past. Now whatever you do on a particular website, can instantly become share able. Your ‘social’ personality will get created. It’s certain that ‘privacy’ will take on a new meaning and a new level of public transparency will emerge.

• Social media will influence sales: By being ‘real-time’ social media can proactively reach to potential customers easily. There could be some real sales also that take place in with social media integration. Customers will now get real user opinions before making purchase decisions regarding a product or service.

• Facebook takes a center stage: Facebook is slated to break its 1 billion user mark, and by projecting its power, it has the potential to really take Facebook credits into a viable currency.

So my friends, in 2012, Social Media won’t be about adding friends and networking. We just saw some trends that will be big influencers in this year. I am all geared up to discover what emerges as the hottest trends, and I continue to keep digging for more trends. What do you think of these trends? Do let me know. Till then, this is Ibea signing off! Adios!