2010 was no doubt the year that social media exploded in the business world. From better integrated Twitter and Facebook Fan Pages to location-based apps, like Foursquare and Gowalla, there was no shortage of great work and innovation this year.
Social Media As A Tool
I predict in 2011 social media will become even better integrated with companies overall marketing strategy. A lot of places still view social media as a bit of “gimic.” 2011 will be the year that more and more companies integrate and start using social media for what it is- just another marketing “tool.”
It’s All About The Content
With that, there will be a need for better story-telling. Effective marketing isn’t just about contests and giveaways. It’s about using your brand to “craft” an overall message(s). Story-telling is a powerful way to create that content.
Breaking Through The Clutter
Exceptional story-telling is a way to create content (for your brand) that breaks through the cluttered social media space and starts a conversation. It’s a way to increase communication and foster engagement with your Facebook fans, Twitter followers, blog subscribers, etc.
Using “Videos” For Effective Story-Telling
Creating powerful content can be achieved in a number of ways through a company blog, a podcast, a Youtube video, a crowd-sourced piece, etc. I think a bigger focus in 2011 will be on Web videos. With Facebook now the second most watched place to view videos, I predict more companies will enter and hone their video making skills. Companies will get more “creative” with how they create and display their content.
What do you think? Do you think story-telling will become a bigger focus in 2011? Why or not?
