By Maria Duron
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Media is changing and it is changing fast. Just when you get the hang of using one tool to use for your marketing strategy and to get you closer to your customers, a new one is introduced. Consumers like media and when something new is introduced they get into it. As a business owner, you are sometimes pressured to try the latest as well, to catch up with consumer trends. If you want to get consumers, you have to be where they are.
Here are some media trends that will hit big this 2012. Take a look at how these media types are going to help your business:
SMS - people like being mobile, we prey on convenience. In the last decade, mobile phones changed the way people communicate and because most consumers have mobile phones, text messaging as a marketing strategy is going to be big this year. By texting, you reach out to your consumers faster. When they hear the beep, they read your message. As per email, it might take a while before they can read your message, especially when they don't open their emails on a regular basis.
Mobile compatibility - if you have a website, you want to make sure that it is mobile compatible. A lot of people are jumping into using smartphones. They want to be able to access their social media accounts even when they are on the go. They want to be able to read their emails and browse websites without having to pull up their computers. When your website is mobile compatible, this means that you are not giving your customers a hard time accessing your website. Again, convenience. You also increase your chances of making a sale.
Facebook - Facebook is not going anywhere, as a matter of fact it's still growing. It's still a great place to connect with your audience and a chance to convert them into customers. Make sure to strategize on how you can make the site work for your business needs.
Pinterest - this is a new site that has great potential for businesses. The concept is to "Pin" images that interests you. Your followers can see what you are pinning and they can like, comment, and "Repin" your image. You can even organize your interests into "Boards". The "Board" is where you can pin images depending on each board topic. It's a place where you can post images of your products or services and let your customers see what you are offering.
Gamification - consumers like to participate in games and if you gamify your business, you have more customers getting involved. The concept of gamifying is earning something, like points and prizes. FourSquare is a good example. Companies are integrating FourSquare into their business by rewarding those who checked-in with points and badges. When you reach a certain number of points or a certain badge, you get discounts on products or services.
Using video - videos can help your business in a lot of ways. You can use them to educate and train, and as a means to communicate with your customers. Learn how to make use of videos as web content. Instead of articles, why not make short videos to give out tips? They don't have to be long; you can do something instructional in less than 3 minutes. Consumers like watching how things are done. This is also their way of seeing you and getting to know you more.
You don't have to be on everything but you can try to mix these options up and see which combinations give you the most benefits.
What combos are you using?
"Maria Elena Duron, CEO (chief engagement officer), buzz2bucks | a word of mouth marketing firm, is skilled at making networks "work" and harnessing powerful online and offline buzz, she facilitates online visibility services and word of mouth coaching and workshops - taking companies and professionals from buzz-worthy to bucks-worthy
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