The ones to watch for 2009
The usual round-ups of 2008 are circulating in the online marketing world, as are anticipated trends for 2009, but the Kelsey Group predictions usually hit the nail on the head.
Here are a couple of points worth highlighting from their latest release about what to watch out for in local media this year:
The Online-Only Yellow Pages Publisher?
…look for organizations that are clearly disinvesting in print by shifting all or most marketing and product development funding and energy to the online product.
Is this finally the push that small businesses need to recognise that print directories are a thing of the past? (You can read more about the growth of online directories here)
SMB Video Ads
…within a few years half of SMBs that have Websites will have a video advertisement. That’s approximately 3 million small-business ads in the next few years in the United States alone.
Are video ads something you have ever considered? An interesting trend to keep your eye on for 2009 - what would you look to feature on yours if you were to commission one?
Jumping on the Social Bandwagon
Many sites will implement other social features on their own, such as ratings and reviews, photos, videos and bulletin boards.
Another increasingly popular pastime, reflecting the trend towards creating a more dynamic experience for the consumer. Even for the smallest of businesses, reviews can make-or-break sales so why not take a little time out now to see if anything is being said about you?
Use of Traditional Media
The role of traditional media has been beaten down by the arrival of new media channels and search… Look for cross-media bundles bringing together newspapers, TV, radio and online services.
We’ve already commented in the past about how online marketing is going from strength to strength compared to traditional methods (for example, see how online advertising has topped mainstream TV), but our top tip for 2009 is take action now to capitalise on the move away from traditional media. As more and more businesses shift their focus to online and the industry gathers momentum, its crucial no-one gets left behind this year.
