By Tasha Cunningham
With just 44 days left until the end of 2012, now is the time to take a look at what your small business should focus on in 2013 to market more effectively online. BizBytes has prepared a list of 13 trends to watch.
1. Consumers will become marketers. With online product reviews, social media and viral video, consumers are more empowered than ever to share their opinions — good or bad — about the products and services they use. 2013 is being hailed in the world of branding and advertising as the year of the consumer. Big brands and small businesses alike will have to stay on their toes to make sure that the products and services they’re offering are quality. If not, online consumer backlash will have a detrimental effect on the bottom line.
2. Manage your reputation online. You should be spending significant amounts of time controlling your online reputation. You can either pay a company to do it or do it yourself. Either way, protecting your rep is going to be essential in 2013.
3. Discounts will drive social sharing. Take some time before the end of the year to plan discounts and sale promotions. In 2013, discounts are going to drive social sharing across the board. If you want
consumers to share information about your small business, put the power in their hands with incentives.
4. Mobile wallets will drive online purchases. Moreconsumers than ever will use their smartphones to pay for purchases. According to Sony Ericsson, smartphones account for more than 50 percent of new mobile devices purchased worldwide. That growth is expected to skyrocket in 2013. Mobile wallet platforms like Passbook, Square and Google Wallet are predicted to become the top mobile payment platforms. Think about offering a mobile payment solution to your customers. Design special online offers and highlight the convenience your company offers by giving customers the option to pay for purchases online.