Social Media Trends

Social media is an ever-changing world of opinions delivered by variety technological tools. Companies like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube continue to revamp their domains in order to provide the best in consumer interactions. As we roll through 2012, companies are trying to find innovative ways of reaching prospective customers.

One of the popular media trends for this year is Social TV Integration. Television programs are now integrating social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) into their programming. Another popular trend is TV broadcasting online. 2012 marked the first year the Super Bowl was streamed live to the world over the Internet. This undoubtedly increased the audience for what already considered great advertising “cash cow”.

Question 1: Why are the major trends important? 

Major trends are important because companies can reach a large variety people in a relatively short amount of time. Take for example the trend of TV broadcasting online, specifically the streaming of the Super Bowl. Due to the existing demand for advertising during the game broadcast, streaming the event online created a whole new dynamic for social media and advertising integration. The digital component allowed advertisers to spread their message around the world using the latest and greatest technology.

Question 2: What do you think will be the trends for the next 6 months?  

For the next six months I think the social media trends will stay along the current path. With the advancements in HD quality for online videos and faster processing in computers, online advertising should remain popular. A trend that we may see in the future could be 3D video. The progress that has been made in display quality and 3D filming make this an innovative way to capture the attention of consumers.

Question 3: For your chosen company, how are the trends important? Will they affect their current marketing?  

For the Ford Motor Company, social media trends are important tools for the company to connect with consumers. Social media provides ways to bridge the gaps between companies and their customers. Customers often view social media as a way to get their questions answered or concerns met, without dealing with a lot of hassle. I think that social media trends will affect the current marketing of Ford. In order for them to maintain their position as one of the top US auto manufacturers, the Ford Motor Company has to continue to find innovative ways to reach past customers and new customers. In a struggling economy, Ford and other companies cannot let the competition “wow” potential customers away.

Reference: http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/15/some-key-social-media-trends-to-look-for-in-2012/