2010 Marketing Predictions

By Jillian Anderson | January 7, 2010

With the dawn of a new year, there is a lot of buzz about marketing in 2010. The “blogsphere ” is flooded with questions like, “What will be the most effective marketing media in 2010,” “Will traditional media b ecome obsolete,” and “Where are advertisers going to spend in 2010.”

Among these marketing predictions are:

1. The rise of mobile marketing and mobile websites:

This will be a pretty big one and some are even saying that the impact of mobile marketing will surpass that of social media. Be sure to pay attention to how this develops in the coming months and years.

2. Relationship marketing and customer service:

This necessity continues to grow as social media gives EVERY customer a louder voice and influence. Remember that your customers are people too, and not just any people, but the kings and queens of your business.

3. Experimentation:

When it comes to new technologies, sometimes experimentation is the best way to see if they work for your marketing. This doesn’t mean (of course) to blindly pursue new media with no clear goal, intent, strategy and system of measurement. But, it certainly doesn’t hurt to try something new. If you don’t begin experimenting, you will be left behind.

4. Social media and SEO:

We can’t forget about the meat and potatoes of online marketing. Social media and SEO have advanced past the point of being mere buzz words. Don’t expect these two to disappear.

5. Promotions in both new AND traditional media:

Whether businesses are offering incentives to gain friends and followers in social networks, customer loyalty programs, coupons, sales or charitable contributions – promotions are sure to be another 2010 trend.

Despite all the growth and trends in execution, I am here to tell you: in this new year and decade, marketing has not changed (at least in concept).  Regardless of what media you resolve to use this year, or where you allocate that budget, the fundamental principles of good marketing remain the same.

Still, the rise of the Internet, online social technologies, and the mobile web has changed how marketers need to look at communication and the people they are communicating with. It has also added elements of complexity with more marketing media, niches and approaches that need to be understood.

As always, regardless of the platform:

• Define your market and the people you are trying to reach.
• Remember what need, want or interest your product fills.
• Address the people (as people, not mere consumers existing to give you their money) who have that want, need or interest and let them know you have the solution.
• Be useful to people, helping them to find what they’re looking for, whether they know that’s you yet or not.

Simple, right?

Okay, so maybe not that simple as we still cannot forget about research, strategy, creative, experience, message, placement, etc. And we cannot forget how all of these things are essential components to any effective marketing effort.

The point here is that whether online of offline, you’re still using the same marketing principles. No need to fear – 2010 is full of opportunities for businesses and marketers using any media.

It is important to remember what and why you are marketing in the first place (and what you ultimately want to accomplish). And don’t forget who you’re talking to.

What do you see in store for marketing this year? What are you most excited about?

Image Credit: Avatar/ΣΙΓΜΑ

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