This year has flown by and many of us are wondering where the year has gone. All of us have been busy tweeting, maintaining our LinkedIn status and connecting with others on Facebook. We’ve spent more time discovering our favorite videos on YouTube while simultaneously checking into restaurants and venues via Foursquare. 2011 can be defined as a year of social media boom and mobile networking, keeping us connected more than ever before. In fact, earlier this year Pew Internet released a study that shows more than 1/3 of American adults not only own a smartphone, but use it mainly as a data source. This means many of us are interacting with businesses and social media platforms on the go.
All of this networking means we’re becoming accustomed to instant access and information. This is great for consumers, but how does this impact businesses who want to remain cutting edge? Here is our list of 4 important social media trends that will impact the way businesses connect with their customers:
- Social shopping or ‘f-commerce’- will begin to be an important addition to a company’s social media strategy. Currently several companies are offering it, but in 2012 we’ll begin to see more growth of shopping via Facebook. Burberry is one company that has begun to tap into social shopping. This allows businesses to have a further reach when the purchase posts to a customer’s Facebook page or is instantly tweeted.
- Social TV is another big area of growth for 2012. Consumers will be able to interact with fans in real time through a show’s Twitter #hashtag, smartphone and tablet apps, and even Facebook. CBS show the Amazing Race used social media as a tool for communicating episode delays due to football & Fox’s the X Factor offers fans a smartphone app that allows them to engage while the showing is airing.
- Branded content will also play a bigger role in how consumers engage socially with companies. Many businesses are already incorporating blogs and video into their online presences. However, there will be a shift in 2012 where these are not just marketing tools but offer consumers a richer experience with your products. Encouraging customer-created video that showcases your brand has been a success for companies like Red Bull. Small businesses can enjoy the benefits too.
- Location-based networking is another trend that is showing continued growth into 2012. Offering a way for your customers to check into your Facebook page and receive an incentive to share their location helps a company obtain further reach. One Atlanta company that has been successful with this concept is Yeah! Burger. Fans who interact with their page know to check in and receive a discount or special offer. Providing customers a way to check in with your restaurant, spa or boutique lets them share what they’re doing in real time, while also giving you the opportunity to listen to what your customers are saying about you.
Are you already incorporating any of these trends into your business? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
Trio Media Group is a full service marketing firm, specializing in advertising, interactive media, public relations, and social media. We can take a project from brand conception to completion, or take your existing brand and ensure cohesion among all your marketing media and increase visual brand recognition. 
Social media trends for 2012
This year has flown by and many of us are wondering where the year has gone. All of us have been busy tweeting, maintaining our LinkedIn status and connecting with others on Facebook. We’ve spent more time discovering our favorite videos on YouTube while simultaneously checking into restaurants and venues via Foursquare. 2011 can be defined as a year of social media boom and mobile networking, keeping us connected more than ever before. In fact, earlier this year Pew Internet released a study that shows more than 1/3 of American adults not only own a smartphone, but use it mainly as a data source. This means many of us are interacting with businesses and social media platforms on the go.
All of this networking means we’re becoming accustomed to instant access and information. This is great for consumers, but how does this impact businesses who want to remain cutting edge? Here is our list of 4 important social media trends that will impact the way businesses connect with their customers:
Are you already incorporating any of these trends into your business? Let us know by leaving a comment below.