Top 5 Marketing Trends for 2010

John Vachalek - 2.8.2010 1:00 PM

Webolutions is a fully-integrated, strategic marketing agency specializing in helping our clients optimize the highest impact areas of their marketing programs. 

Below is our list of the Top 5 Marketing Trends for 2010

     1.  Value – Thought, Leadership, Help, Innovations, Green

After a year like 2009, all businesses need to be able to define the value they provide to their customers.  Are your prices in line with the value that you provide to your clients? Are you sure your competition has not snuck up on you and is offering something that may be perceived as a better value?  Do some research, ask your customers and make sure that you are providing the best value you can.

        2.  Brand Differentiation – Defined, Meaningful and Even Emotional

Many businesses feel like they are very different from their competitors. In 2010, you should be able to clearly define exactly what makes you different. Be sure that this differentiation is something that your customers can see and that this difference is truly valuable to them.  You must stand out from the crowd.

        3.  Social Marketing – Word of Mouth, Referrals, The Conversation

Marketing today is no longer a monologue controlled by your advertising.  It is a dialogue of opinions and experiences with your brand. What is being said about you throughout the various social networks?  Are you listening and monitoring this? In 2010, you must track these conversations, participate in these discussions and actively manage your online reputation.  

        4.  Multi-Channel, One-to-One Communications

Gone are the days of reaching your audience through a single channel.  In 2010, users want to consume information from you through their preferred channel.  Some of these channels include: Website postings, blogs, eNewsletters, RSS feeds, Facebook, Twitter, mail (yes, still!) or text messaging. If you do not offer multiple communication options, you may begin losing customers to competitors who do. You need to be able to begin customizing your communications to individual users. Let them control the medium and specific information they receive from you. This can be very powerful.   

        5.  Product / Service Customization & Control – Your Clients More Demanding

Your customers have iPhone apps, playlists, DVRs, XM Radio and every day they are becoming more accustomed to having control. Think about how you can begin to customize your product or service offerings to give your customers more control.  This will lead to increased opportunities and sales.

How to use this Information

Make sure you understand your market positioning and unique selling advantages in all these areas.  What are you doing? How are you implementing these strategies? Go through this list one by one and address these Top 5 2010 marketing items.

If you would like to comment on this post, we would love to hear from you. What you unique ideas do you have about these trends?
 

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