7 emerging trends in social media

Edward M. Erasmus, MA Social Media Seminar, University of Aruba

July 3, 2012

7 Emerging Trends in

ARUBA

State of Social Media

• Since the launching of Facebook (2004) and Twitter (2006).

• Unprecedented growth in usage of social platforms.

• Not just for sharing stuff with friends… • Opportunities for businesses to engage in

creative new forms of online communication with (potential) clients.

Countless array of platforms…

• Since the launching Facebook (2005) and Twitter (

Not a hype…..

It’s a fundamental shift in the way we communicate.

Social Media is disrupting how we…

• Interact • Gather information • Make decisions • Collaborate, develop and create • Do business

“We always overestimate the change that will occur in the next two years and underestimate the change that will occur in the next ten. Don’t let yourself be lulled into inaction.” ~Bill Gates

7 emerging trends in social media

So here they are……

Trend 1 - Social Mobile

Social Mobile

+

+

• 350 million users of Facebook’s 800 million users are accessing via smartphone

• Majority of Twitter traffic from mobile 55% • 400 Million YouTube views on Mobile devices

per day!

Gartner predicts that by the end of 2012, the number one way that consumers will be interacting with the Internet is via their smartphones and tablets

Social Mobile…

• Huge growth potential • Create content for mobile • Design websites, blogs for mobile

viewing • Make it easy for viewers to act on

that content in a social manner

Implications…

Trend 2 - Socialization of Search

Socialization of Search

Socialization of Search

• Google’s search results are determined by complex algorithms.

• Google started rolling out its “+1″ button to indicate ”social signals” that will be used to determine what content is being voted on as valuable by humans rather than just machines.

• Google and Bing have increased the visibility and priority of social networks in search results.

Socialization of Search

Implications

• Create accounts on relevant social media • Create content for social networks • Publish and promote on social media • Treat Facebook as an extension of website • Optimize for search • Place your media “Everywhere”

Trend 3 - Location Based Marketing

Location Based (Social) Marketing

Location Based Apps

• Facebook Places – 30 Million+ users • Foursquare – 16 Million users • Loopt – 5 million users • MyTown – 5 million users

The KLM experiment…

Implications

• Drive traffic to Shopping Centers and stores • Surprise and reward customers

Trend 4 – Integration of Social and Traditional Media

Discuss shows with others, make new friendships and fill in the time during commercials

The Tweet TV Generation…

Twitter hash tags

Twitter hash tags

Twitter hash tags

The next level of social interactivity…

Social interactivity

Viewers were able to tag Super Bowl 2012 commercials to win amazing prizes like cars, gift cards and more.

Super Bowl XLVI

Viewers were able tag Super Bowl 2012 commercials to win amazing prizes like cars, gift cards and more.

Social interactivity

Social interactivity

Implications

• Manage conversations • Create trends (generate curiosity) • New forms of engagement • Instant audio-tagging facilitates immediate

action by the consumer

Trend 5 - Super Blogs

Super Blogs…

Implications • Start with “Focus” and “Passion” • Advertising revenue needs large scale • Freemium then Premium content – sell

your own content • Platform for Influence • Create Opportunities - Partnerships

Trend 6 - Global Micro Niche Business

Trend 6 - Global Micro Niche Business

Trend 6 - Global Micro Niche Business

Going global… • Social Media provides Global Distribution

Platforms to Niche Markets

Global Micro Niche Business

Global Micro Niche Business

Implications

• Social media provides global content distribution platforms to niche markets

• Democratization of marketing • The availability of personal, global

publishing platforms • Ease of use • “Free” and real time marketing

Trend 7 - Social Commerce

Social Commerce

Social Commerce

• Top Facebook pages have stores • Monetizing the networks • Taking the shop to the network • Existing e-commerce platforms building

plugins for Facebook

Implications

• Major reason for following a brand on Facebook is to obtain a discount or deal.

• Include sharing buttons in your online store. • Drive traffic to your online store with your

social networks. • Highlight specials/deals/vouchers on Twitter

and Facebook. • Make it easy for people to buy “anywhere”.

Recap

1. Social mobile 2. Socialization of search 3. Location based marketing 4. Integrating social and traditional media 5. The rise of super blogs 6. Global micro niche business 7. Social commerce

Aruba…? Are we ready for the digital revolution?

Critical issues

• e-Commerce regulations • Intellectual property laws • Internet payment systems

e-Commerce regulations

• E-steering Committee 2001 • Update report: reposition Aruba as a global

business opportunity for internet-related business, ensure international standards and improve online growth possibilities for local businesses.

Intellectual property laws • Update intellectual property laws • Anti-piracy regulations

Internet payment systems

Internet payment systems

Edward M. Erasmus, MA e.erasmus@fzanv.com erasmus.bpas@gmail.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/edwardmerasmus Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/em_erasmus LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardmerasmus Blog: http://edwardmerasmus.wordpress.com

Q&A Session