Hot topics in 2008

Any day now all the marketing gurus will probably publish their lists of predictions for hot marketing topics in 2008. I figured I might as well share my own.  So here we go:

• Mobile marketing - lots of people are trying to figure out exactly how to use mobile technology to market to their customers (opt in of course). I expect to see some interesting strategies and uses come out in the next few months.  We are looking at one application that would allow you to sign up for a program all from your phone.  Lets see where that ends up. 

• Social Media - the Facebook, LinkedIn style applications are not going away but you will start to see niche networking sites pop up.  In the last few months I joined one for real estate professionals and another for parents.

• Targeting will continue to get better. Using cookie, and click data (yes I said the dreaded tracking words) you will see fewer irrelevant and more relevant ads while online.  Behavioral and contextual marketing will continue to grow. This leads to the whole privacy debate.

• Privacy - It is important.  I hope we can finally put this discussion in perspective.  No one is losing their identity because an ad server put a tracking cookie on your PC.  If you want complete privacy stay off the internet. Don't get me wrong companies should post their privacy statements and data usage but as a user of the internet just assume you are being tracked or targeted for marketing. 

• Video - more companies (Trump U included) will embrace the world of video and how it can be used to sell and generate interest.  I know there are a lot of people having fun exploding stuff or doing crazy things but there are many businesses using video to create interest in what they do.  I already think we are late to this party.

• Eco-Marketing - Won't be the hot topic it was a few months back but companies will continue to think about their marketing and how it affects the environment.

• Cause Related Marketing - I hope we see more companies partnering up with related non profits.  This can be a great win-win situation for everyone involved.

• On the traditional media side - Radio, TV and Print will see decreased ad spending since more and more people are tuning out and filtering for just the info they want. Don't get me wrong they will continue to play a role in advertising but their share of the budget will continue to shrink.

• Direct Marketing - will continue to grow in importance in the overall media mix. It is one media channel that gives you the ability to target, track and serve the customer with the right message at the right time.

I am excited to start marketing in the New Year. I am looking forward to seeing what new technologies come out and how they can help marketers grow their business.

What do you think will be hot in 2008?

What new marketing tools or strategies are you planning to implent for your business in the New Year?

Have a safe and happy New Year.