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7 online marketing trends to watch in 2014

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Gary Smith Oct 14, 2013

marketing-trends

Each year, the landscape of the web changes dramatically. Newer social media networks like Pinterest have become nearly as popular as Facebook and Twitter. As 2014 approaches, notable trends this year – such as the shift to mobile and quality content – look to become even more important in the coming year. Forbes’ Top 7 Online Marketing Trends to Watch in 2014 argues just that, and then some:

1. Content Marketing Will be Bigger Than Ever

The old internet adage of “content is king” continues to hit home. Inbound content (social media, blog articles, or any worthwhile content that drives traffic back to the website) is an increasingly relevant and very effective strategy. It’s a great SEO strategy, builds a relationship with the consumer base and gives them a reason to keep coming back.

2. Social Media Marketing Will Require More Diversity

It’s not enough to just have a Facebook page or a Twitter account anymore; with the meteoric rise of Tumblr, Pinterest, Google+, and Instagram, a company needs to cover as many of its social bases as possible. While this might seem like a lot of work, it also allows a business to reach a number of untapped customers or clients.

3. Image-Centric Content Will Rule

You know the saying – the one about a picture and so many words. Pinterest is probably the best example of this here, but it’s not the only one. Facebook now emphasizes more real estate for images, and there’s a reason why infographics go viral: visual content just goes down easier.

4. Less Will be More

Minimalism is the name of the game as the web slims down. Can you say it in less? Do. Chances are your target market will choose the slider over the quarter pounder.

5. Mobile-Friendly Content Will Be Necessary

This has been on the horizon for a while now, with mobile internet access predicted to overtake desktop usage by 2014. It also means that having a responsive website is going to be of vital importance in the coming year. If a user comes to a website they can’t easily use on their phone, they’re not going to stick around.

6. Ad Retargeting Will Grow in Effectiveness

Imagine you’re strolling through a mall and a product catches your eye, but you keep walking. A few minutes later, you see it again – so you’re thinking about it again. You might just buy it this time. Utilizing browser cookies, this is a psychology-bound strategy that’s been taking hold recently – and one that Amazon.com customers have likely seen in action.

7. SEO and Social Signals Will Become Even More Intertwined

The more a webpage gets shared on different social media sites, the further it spreads across the web, and it’s starting to have a serious effect on search engine page rankings. Wonder why BuzzFeed articles keep popping up at the top of your search results? That’s the power of social signals.

Are you prepared for online marketing in 2014? We are, and we can help. Contact Zbra Studios and get ready for the new year!


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