5 Things to Watch out for by year end 2012

A constantly evolving digital marketing world often throws up various technologies and tools that are could be used for marketing purposes. While it is difficult to keep up with all the latest technology, there are certain ones to watch out for by year end 2012…..

Near Field communications:- convenience is the buzz word…better, faster, quicker newer seems to be the state of mind consumers always are in. Something which comes up easily to associate with is the Google Wallet- Just Tap and Go (a contact-less payment card that is integrated into a phone) and links your bank card to the shopping POS. With the ability to offer quick payment ability at the tap of your finger, this could be one of them to watch out for.

User Generated Content:- Allowing consumers to generate blogs, videos, posts about brand should be leveraged by marketers. Rather than allowing or limiting only for consumer complaints and reviews, UGC could throw in some advantages like- brand promotion, driving social engagement and even measure cost effectiveness of a customer post his/her purchase.

Video Marketing:-Though not a new concept its continued growth allows marketers to reach prospective customers. This even so, with the ever increasing average internet video views per viewer on the increase. Personalized targeted video marketing could increase the customer’s interest in a post purchase scenario. This could include addressing a customer by his name, videos relating to past purchases etc. Things which could make it easier for marketers would be the marketing automation software, which could target customers and even allow segmentation basis purchase categories.  

Mind Controlled technologies:- Well, still a long way to go in this, but a mind controlled technology product could not only change marketing landscapes, but also the way we live. The technology works by way of reading brainwaves and control objects based on users thoughts.

QR Codes:-Last but not the least of all, the QR codes (sometimes useful, sometime abused by marketers with no clear purpose of including a QR code in their campaign). Newspapers, Magazines, public transport, food packages and even in some bizarre cases—wedding invitations. Considering when they first emerged, most consumers were simply unaware of their purpose, they have indeed come a long way. What is more interesting is not only marketers have started adapting these, but also have started realizing the value of this by measurement of customer interactions that these codes throw up.