Surely when you think of searching for something on the internet, you don’t take the time to research it anymore: Google is one of the first words to pop into your mind. And when a question arises, we all find ourselves saying “Google it!” without giving it a second thought. Fast and reliable, this powerful company has taken off in recent years as a global giant. And what does that giant do upon realizing that they are on top? They expand, like any smart business would.

With an increase in advertising and the release of new technology (such as cell phones), Google has now revealed plans to expand their ever-popular company in three major ways: mobile, television, and Social Advertising. The company seeks to eliminate difficulties associated with advertising for major publishers by creating effective ads, increasing sales and awareness, and resulting in increased value for Google (and increased money). They see potential in their next three expansions, because, let’s face it: we are a society that is constantly connected to modern technology.

Cell phones: glued to any passerby’s hand at any given moment. Whether checking email, searching directions or simply chatting on Facebook, the internet availability on a cell phone is a major marketing tool. Advertising possibilities exist 24/7, and the location capabilities are phenomenal: if looking up directions for a specific area, Google could easily slip in an advertisement for local fine dining or shopping opportunities.

Television: a major source of relaxation and downtime. While sitting on the couch watching your favorite show, you’re exposed to a large number of ads via commercials. The GoogleTV idea has the ability to take off: with TV content now beginning to turn to IP services (such as cell phone/wireless companies), Google is interested in helping them receive increased revenue from advertisements.

Perhaps the smartest idea (with the ability to succeed the most) is Social Advertising. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace: familiar worldwide names that have taken off in the past five years. The demographic for these three moguls is an opportunistic mixed bag, ranging from pre-teens to senior citizens. This presents all sorts of advertisers with unlimited options and the chance to significantly increase brand awareness, reputation, and revenue. Though specific details have not yet been released in terms of Google’s game strategy, it is not out of the question to picture them starting their own social media site that could reach Facebook and MySpace status. You just never know.

Google, an already major name, has the ideal situation for now, with the possibility of us seeing even more significant moves from them in the near future.

MySpace, which has fallen behind rival Facebook in popularity in recent years, is looking to gain users again as a top place to play games online.  Today MySpace announced an initiative to work directly with social game developers.  The program, MySpace Game Labs, puts developers like Playdom, Zynga, TheBroth, and Meez in the MySpace offices in Seattle and Los Angeles to work together with the MySpace staff to improve the overall game experience for users.

MySpace Game Labs follows the company’s launch of MySpace Games earlier this year.   The specific goal of MySpace Game Labs is to help developers avoid annoying users with unwanted, spam-like messages and notifications related to games.  This has been a complaint on other platforms.  Facebook for example now allows users to block game notifications in their newsfeed after many complainants from users, especially from games like Farmville and Mafia Wars.

Some analysts are skeptical if games alone will drive users to MySpace.  Games on Facebook have become increasingly popular, but most users already had Facebook accounts and did not join for the sole reason of playing games.  Another way MySpace is hoping to help retain and gain new users is by updating its privacy settings to standards that Facebook users are complaining are not currently available to them.

Currently MySpace’s claim to fame is music, with many artists and bands having pages on the site to share music, tour dates, and other information.  A major portion of the site’s page views are music driven.  MySpace co-President has said “We’ll take games as seriously as we’ve taken music.”

MySpace has a hired a general manager for the games and development division and only time will tell if games can help MySpace compete with Facebook.

For help with MySpace or any other marketing need contact Interactivity Marketing.

Smartphones, they aren’t just for work anymore.  Now it seems everybody’s got them now from Middle Schoolers to Grandparents.  Smartphones allow you to do most of the things you to your computer without needing the computer or access to wifi.  Right now the Smartphone world is dominated by Apple’s i-Phone and Research in Motion’s BlackBerry.  With so many people now having “virtual offices” the need for a Smartphone is greater than ever.  Websites now need to be compatible with mobile browsers to avoid frustrating users.  Many major brands offer mobile versions of their website which are more stripped down and able to load faster and be viewed easier on mobile browsers.

Smartphones allow the downloading of many different types of applications for use on the phone.  One of the main application categories for Smartphones are social networking applications to keep up with social networking on the go.  Social networking giant Facebook has applications available for iPhones, Palms, Sonys, BlackBerrys, Nokias, Androids, Windows Mobile, and Sidekicks.  The mobile application of Facebook allows status updates, wall posts, photo uploading, message sending, and notifications of activity.  MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube also have applications for many smart phones.  Applications are also available for everything from Microsoft Office tools, to games, radio stations, to weather updates.

Microsoft has previously been a player in the Smartphone world, but has made a major push into the current market with the release of, Windows Phone 7 Series, a completely rebranded Windows Mobile.   The new mobile Operating Software is being introduced at Mobile World Congress 2010 in Barcelona, Spain.

The changes are invisible from the start with familiar start screen gone and it’s a place tiles that scroll and be customized by the user.  The new OS is very focused on social networking and the ability to combine multiple social networks.  In the contacts pages updates can be shown from multiple networks for the same contact. The software will also connect with Xbox Live, featuring live game and avatars.  Keep at look out for Windows Phone 7 Series devices hitting stores later this year.

Today’s consumers are under influence.  No, No.  Nothing illicit.  It’s about engaging with social media and social influences to achieve the marketing and business needs of an organization.  So is your business engaged?  If you answered no then you may be falling behind the times.  Some companies are afraid to try social media marketing for fear of failing.  By not joining the social media craze many are failing without even realizing it.  Entering the social media networking world cannot guarantee instant results and may require a long term commitment to growing the brand online.

Social media allows interaction between companies and consumers like never before.  The interaction can allow for positive comments as well as negative ones if a consumer had an issue or problem.  With social media you have the opportunity to respond back and find out why they a bad experience and possibly rectify the situation.  Word of mouth marketing is a still a top tool in many industries and by clearing up a bad situation a company may prevent the consumer from spreading their bad experience to others.

For the best social media marketing results test numerous sites and options within those sites to see what works best.  This may require asking consumers on the sites what they would like to see there.  Examples of sites to test would be facebook, twitter, blogs, YouTube, Linked In, and MySpace. There are also industry specific sites like ActiveRain for those in real estate and i-Meet for those in event and meeting planning.  Any interaction created with consumers is plus for the business.  Social media allows companies to create relationships with consumers and reach out to consumers to help create loyal customers.

Small businesses from the local bakery or restaurant down the street to large companies like Subway and Zappos.com have joined social media marketing to gain customers and allow their currents customers to help each other and help the businesses grow.  Zappos.com has over 1.6 million followers of their CEO’s twitter account and has used the large following to get feedback.

For help on not falling behind the mark on the social media marketing revolution contact us today!