6 Internet Marketing Trends of 2012

by Ben Johnson - Posted 12 years ago

Internet marketing trends to watch for in 2012 "“ get in early!

  1. Mobile. Need I say more? Internet marketing in 2012 is going mobile. Mobile ad spending is up, mobile use, and the number of mobile apps downloaded continue to increase.  What can you do to get in on the Mobile trend? Make sure your website is mobile friendly. Create an App for your business. Look into mobile advertising. Send mobile-friendly email campaigns.
  2. Gamefication.  Gamefication is turning everyday programs into rewarding activities by adding game elements. Badges, leaderboards, rewards, etc. People's time and attention spans are increasingly brief, so by combining necessary activity with entertainment, you are more likely to retain their attention.
  3. Social sharing.  This one is so obvious it almost doesn't need to be included.  Not using social media in 2012 would be like not using the Internet in 2010. But what specific trends can we expect to see? Sharing what music we are listening to. Sharing what we just bought, or the fact that we just purchased at that store. Sharing where we are, and who we are with. Getting rewards for sharing, by a social site or by the business we are sharing about. Already popular, this kind of social sharing will only get easier and more prolific.  What can you do? Add in share tools EVERYWHERE you are on the web, so people are sharing about your business, your products. If no other, this is one internet marketing trend of 2012 you should participate in!
  4. Social Convergence. Major Internet marketing trend of 2012 - We will see our online social activities become more and more part of our daily life.  From seeing our Tweets appear on #cnn, to having a discussion about the latest Dateline exclusive on Facebook, social internet and our social life will converge. Facebook addresses, Twitter hashtags, and Google's +1 will appear on merchandise. The digital social world will become more and more part of the "Ëœreal' world.  
  5. E-lectronic e-verthing. eMail, eCards, eBooks"¦ everything is going digital. More people than ever can work from home, staying connected through the Internet. GoToMeeting, Google's Hangouts, and other virtual meeting technology will become more important, and more efficient. It won't be a question of what you can do online, but what CAN'T you do? You can shop, hang out, share information, read a book, watch a movie or show, research, start a movement, join a support group, go to a therapy session, topple a government"¦ the World Wide Web will rule the world.
  6. Geolocation. Using phone GPS and internet ISPs, it is now simple to identify where a user is accessing the web.  Businesses will be able to offer coupons, deals, or other advertising to local consumers by utilizing this technology.

These are just a few of the Internet marketing trends for 2012 we are predicting. We want to know what you think! Join us on Facebook or Twitter and share the internet marketing trends you predict for 2012!