SEO News: Social Trends for the Future
As many of you will know, right now across the pond it’s the middle of the SXSW conference in Texas – where likeminded social media enthusiasts and professionals meet to discuss the latest developments in the world of tech and all things social. Eagled eyed readers will remember the conference as one of those at which Twitter began its long climb toward fame and popularity.
So, how am I enjoying the conference, I hear you ask? I’m not. Because I’m not there. However here at Creare it’s not just SEO we like to keep at the forefront of; we also pride ourselves on being experts in internet marketing in general, and that includes the social media aspect.
With this in mind then, I saw this fantastic blog, and decided to bring you the five social trends they’ve topped for greatness in the industry in the coming months.
1. Social Discovery
This is not necessarily something new, and in fact I’m struggling slightly to see the significance of this one. Basically however, social discovery is the ability to connect in the real world with likeminded individuals who are geographically close to you. Based at present in the world of smart phones, this terms is being used for apps which notify users when someone happens to be nearby who has similar interests to them.
Users can of course search for other people using these apps, but I think the main feature being tipped for success is the notification feature. While many might like meeting new people in this kind of technologically facilitated spontaneity, some are already expressing concerns related to the big p word – privacy.
Needless to say, this trend could have implications for businesses. I can’t see it being long before business profiles pop up on these apps so that users are notified when they pass near to a business matching their interests or previous shopping activity. Many such apps already exist, but the focus of big players such as Facebook is expected to shift in this direction in the future.
2. Social TV
Anyone seen the UK ads on TV for Zeebox? Well, it’s an app which allows users to see what their friends are watching on TV and discuss, rate and vote on this in realtime – basically like a themed twitter account. This is exactly what social TV is about, and it’s expected to grow and grow.
In terms of marketing, this does open significant doors for ads to go more instantly viral. Traditionally, your hilarious TV ad would have to have been uploaded to YouTube before people had a chance to discuss it, and then it would have to break onto Facebook walls and Google + profiles via linking. With social TV applications on tablets and smartphones, discussion will be instant and focussed, providing a greater brand building exercise for wily businesses.
3. Image Based Web
My third and final point refers to the current web trend toward good design and image based website/apps. With the introduction of the very visual Facebook timeline and the Pinterest revolution, it’s clear that both techs and online media consumers respectively are interested in websites and applications which look good.
Here at Creare, we’ve long since recognised the value of high quality web design and good marketing; it’s the reason why we’re split into two as a company – we can provide a good blend for a comprehensive marketing solution.
In terms of marketing, the growth and demand for visually pleasing websites and social media will give added importance to rich snippet markup in the SERPs, banner advertising and a good mix of images and quality content above the fold on business websites.
So that’s all for this week, have a think about these trends and let me know in the comments below if you disagree with their predicted importance to the SEO and social industries.
