We have left behind the year 2013. We shared with you our expectations for the year 2013 at the end of the year 2012. Now let's look at 2014.
We are continuing to observe the development and change of internet. 2013 had a quick year. The Internet use speed is rising like utilization rate. In 2013, we saw some big changes. Especially, large platforms made serious strides toward monetization and there was a massive rise in visual marketing.
We've also done a research upon the rate of use of social media. Here are the results;
- In 2012, 208.000 photos were shared in the Facebook. This figure rises 243,000 in 2013. The increase is 16%.
- In 2012, 100.000 tweets were shared per minute in the Twitter. In 2013, 350.000 tweets were shared per minute. The increase is 250%.
- LinkedIn is observed similar increases in the accounts. In 2012, 100 new accounts were opened per minute. In 2012, 120 new accounts were opened. The increase is 20%.
- The results are same for Google. Increase in the number of search engine has not affected to Google. Google's growth rate by search number is 75%.
- Smartphone has become more and more important in daily life and it has changed our life in many aspects. In 2013, mobile internet users surpassed 550 million at minute.
So, are you wondering what changes and trends are coming to social media marketing in 2014?
- We believe native advertising and sponsorship will have the greatest impact in 2014. Native advertising is back and 2014 will be the year that advertorial becomes a major part of the social media marketing mix for most companies.
- The days of social media being "free" marketing for companies are over. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Pinterest are all in full monetization mode now and companies looking to reach their potential customers via these platforms are going to need to pay to do so. This has far-reaching implications for social media users, concept of authenticity, marketing budgets and the role of agencies. Marketers will refocus their efforts in 2014 in these areas.
- It wouldn't be wrong to think that the Internet will continue to evolve in all areas in 2014. As we keep continue to share our personal and professional information online, we will witness that the things that we can't imagine before start to happen.
- Social networks will develop A/B testing tools for brands' organic updates. In 2014, these tools won't be just for the brands with big media budgets. If brands take advantage, this will have an enormous impact on social media marketing.
Happy new year to everyone!