2013 was considered a “big” year for social media trends activity, but the social media trends that been forecast for 2014 are quite interesting. According to MarketingProfs.com the key to success in 2014, is all about integration. It’s about looking back at the last year’s successes and failures, learning from them and improving on the user experience.

“Innovation” Is Over-Branded But Essential

“Innovation” is a word that PRs and journalists always complain about corporates using. It’s one of those words they tell us is over-used and under-applied but quite frankly, it’s pretty essential as a survival strategy for social media. It is also the key to this year’s social media trends.

The almighty Facebook turns 10 this year, so it’s no longer really the new kid on the block. What it means for marketers is that social media has been “normalised” by consumers for some time now. To stand out, you need to  innovate the use social media trends, testing campaigns and monitoring results.

The world, as we once knew it, is changing at a rapid pace: online audience behaviours are becoming more fragmented, professional and personal identities are merging and users are shifting the way they make purchasing decisions.

Social Data Controls Relationship Intelligence In The Future

The fact that millions upon millions of interactions are taking place over the web is simultaneously exciting and challenging. One of this year’s most empowering social media trends is allowing social channels to dominate relationship intelligence.

To be able to adapt to survive requires an understanding of your target audience, another gift that social media bestows on the devoted. And, even though Analytics serves us so well, the statistics indicate that marketers often fail to read into their audience insights effectively. Understanding your audience data improves the quality of your interactions but remember that your tone should not be about selling, rather about educating and helping people.

The Next Step In Social Business Is Integration

Social media should no longer be considered separate from the rest of your business. It is no longer the outcast of the marketing toolbox. It is very much alive and needs to be integrated fully into every marketing strategy.

Appropriate channel selection is vital: to convey the right messages in the right voice to the right people, at the right time.

The Capability To Bring Online Content To Life Offline

As social media platforms continue to spur customer relations, companies that can activate online campaigns offline have the greatest chance of successful social media integration.

MYNT offers full spectrum corporate branding, marketing and design services. with offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg, our team of experts can take your business places. Would you like to know more about how these social media trends can benefit you? Please get in touch.