5 Internet Marketing Trends To Watch For

Over the last two months I have read dozens of lists predicting the top internet related marketing trends for 2008.

Most comment on a rise in social networking, an increase in internet cell phone use as well as an increased focus in all things local, including local search and local search engine optimization.

Here are 5 of my own predictions:

1. Branded games will emerge as the most effective means of social network advertising. Especially social games that require two or more players.

2. The internet will finally begin making it’s way into our living rooms through a variety of set top boxes, and game devices. This will boost the popularity of entertainment, news and video related sites. Soon web pages will need to be formatted to fit your TV.

3. Kid’s toy manufacturers will follow the success of Webkinz and invest heavily in internet related tie ins to their toys.

4. The improvement in targeted and local search will increase the number of small businesses that advertise online. This increase in advertising will slowly spread beyond text based search advertising and into social network advertising as well as online advertising networks that can deliver results.

5. Individuals and small businesses who aren’t ready to spend money on advertising will invest time in developing low budget marketing initiatives based on free internet services. Using a free Blog or a Facebook Page as a company web site is becoming a popular alternative for people not wanting to pay for website design and hosting. Free online video sites like youTube will continue to be used as an alternative to TV advertising.

If you have any internet marketing predictions for 2008, please share them below.

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You are absolutely right with this list. Specially on the Cell phone advertising. I wish I had the cash to develop some kind of ads specifically for cell phones.

Brand sponsored social applications. Not just custom developed apps, but brands sponsoring existing applications that have reached mass scale and have a natural thematic tie-in.

sponsoredapps.com

I agree with this list. Definately mobile as more people get iphones and blackberrys. and i have always liked online multiplayer games.

I don’t know about the rest, but there’s no doubt that more and more business are implementing point five as a low budget alternative marketing strategy.

I like how you mentioned #5. A lot of companies are having their own myspace sites and even television shows.