Where Will Marketing and Social Media Be Next Year?

Where will marketing and social media be next year?  For hints we can look to visionaries and thought leaders … I recently spent a few incredible days listening to brilliant presenters at South by Southwest (SXSW).  Every year people from all over the world converge on Austin, Texas to learn and network with the best of the best in all things digital, entrepreneurial, marketing, developer, and more.

While in class I observed attendees of all ages checking in often with Facebook and Twitter. The who’s who in social media are still very interested in these platforms: Facebook and Twitter are alive and well. This year Instagram and Pinterest are being taken more seriously by scrutinizing marketers.

By the end of the conference a few major points and themes stood out:

1. Think quality. Did quality ever go out of style? Apparently it did—especially online. The next generation of web success will not focus on massive clicks, hits, or likes. None of those metrics matter without quality.  Things like banner ads that motivated massive clicks in the past are now considered passe. Thank goodness!
2. Embrace relationships. Gone are the days of impersonal brands. The focus of companies striving for success will be on brands as personas—with stories behind them. Trust, authenticity and believability are #1. How you craft a relationship is the marketers job and everything you do is the new media department (Reference Can’t Buy Me Like presenters).
3. Be positive. Be kind. Do good. People still want to do business with people they like.  Are you supporting organizations in your community? Whether you are donating, volunteering or just helping to spread the word, social media is a great way to share any positive news.
4. Know your values. What are your business values?  Do you have any specific passions? Is it to be a green practice? Is it to be excellent in everything you do? Is it to weave some fun into your daily activities? Now is the time to fully understand and embrace your business purpose. Why? Because social media amplifies your values. Your values—whether you intend or not—will become your online persona. Ensure you like what you project by putting time into discovering or clarifying your business values.
5. Be different, surprise, delight. Austin’s city tagline is “Keep Austin Weird”. The weirdness is part of the SXSW experience. Creativity abounds—even in the swag.  Tour the exhibit hall and you’ll find booth goodies like free t-shirts (sized to fit women! And made from high quality fabrics and cool colors), leather-bound (more quality) Moleskin notebooks, free packages of Oreos to snack on…  Now is the time to rethink your giveaways.

While you are at it, review your overall patient relations, marketing, and online strategies. Does your practice persona (your brand) reflect your values?  Does your brand speak to quality, relationships, kindness? Do you have strategies (and goodies) in place to surprise and delight your patients?  What is one new thing you plan to change, upgrade or implement today?

Are  you looking for help getting started with social media or want to take things to the next level?  Give Rita a call or email her for a conversation!