WHAT’S TRENDING IN SOCIAL MEDIA 2013

As social media continues to expand, companies are rethinking different strategic ways to reach potential consumers. However, that doesn’t at all mean that businesses should forego more traditional forms of media, like print, TV and radio. While keeping up with the times is obviously necessary, it’s important that companies evaluate what works best for their industry before buying into the hype of new trending media.

The use of online media and mobile applications are just another way to get a business noticed, whether it's a small start-up company or a massive entertainment industry. This compilation of trending media to look forward to in 2013 includes some recent developed technology advances, fun and easy-to-use social media, as well as some well-known marketing methods that are rapidly emerging.

The Barcode Scanner - Companies are beginning to use the scan approach to better interact with consumers. Some businesses are turning to Quick Response (QR) codes for marketing strategies. QR is a two-dimensional code that can be scanned by simply using a smartphone camera device and will pull up any information pertaining to the object or product right on the screen. Mobile applications such as Bakodo are taking barcode scanning to another level by integrating information from large companies like Amazon and Google. Businesses can place the QR barcode on business cards, flyers, pamphlets, or Facebook page, making it easier than ever for consumers to get more info about the business and interact more.

The Power of Hashtags - Hashtags came about when Twitter hit the social media platform back in 2006. The use of hashtags has since then changed. They’re no longer only used simply for trending stories on Twitter; they are now also being used on other social media platforms, such as Instagram and Google+. Companies are using hashtags as a strategic tool to better interact with costumers and build a stronger relationship. This special character can be leveraged in many different ways and can definitely leave consumers talking about a business, therefore creating the #power of the hashtag.

"Like Us" Button - With more than 1 billion users, Facebook has gone from a college user-friendly page to a booming marketing business. Companies are creating Facebook pages to market themselves and attract a wide fan-based audience, while businesses can advertise their product or service to draw visitors to their page. There is also the “like-gating” strategy, in which an offer is only made visible when the potential consumer "likes" the page. Businesses do not necessarily have to pay to advertise on Facebook; the simple, free option of creating a page will enhance the interaction with customers through daily update feeds, polls, contests, promotions and so forth.

Location Media – It doesn’t take a tech whiz to realize that it seems like everyone is constantly using social media and checking in at their local restaurant, shopping center, pub bar—even DMV in some cases. Location-based social networks are one of the current trending media platforms. The most popular location mobile app, Foursquare, has grabbed the attention of many local and corporate businesses, which often use this location-based media platform to offer special rewards and potentially lead new customers into their doors. Instagram,Facebook, Twitter and a few other mobile applications have attached a location application that allows the user check-in while in their business as well. “Amazing margaritas at fill-in-the-blank Mexican restaurant”... “Loving happy hour at fill-in-the-blank bar!”… “Best pizza ever at fill-in-the-blank pizzeria!” What better way is there for a business to market themselves than by having the consumer do it for them?

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