Here is the TOP 5 trends you need to take note of to be successful online:

#1 Trend – Value Proposition Must Be Bigger Than Ever

Consumers are much smarter, better informed and more discerning than ever before. The internet has given them the inside edge. You now have to be able to quantify your value to them. If you don’t, your competitors will.

#2 Trend – Listening to Customers in New and Creative Ways

There are many more opportunities to listen to your customer today. We must learn to use these new avenues of communication. Face to face feedback, surveys, emails, online surveys, Facebook online conversations, tweets, company websites, online watchdog groups, are an example of a few of the communication opportunities that we have. If you have not been paying attention to it, you need to start. Each year that goes by our younger generation is getting older. This means that they are savvier and used to getting all their info online.

#3 Trend – Creating Quality Content Online

Creating quality content for your customer base and prospect base is becoming more and more important to win online attention. Don’t sell. Inform. Help your consumers understand how to use your products and services more effectively. Get them excited about being in touch. Help them to spread good word of mouth about you. This will happen when you have meaningful “conversations” with them online.

#4 Trend – Increasing the Online Marketing Budget.

Data is showing that more and more small businesses are moving away from traditional marketing budgets and investing more in the social online venues. Good news: People are getting that online marketing works…..especially social media. Bad news: They think this can totally take the place of traditional marketing. Increase your online budget but don’t have it replace your traditional budget. Move your traditional budget around a little and be smart about it.

#5 Trend – Mobile Marketing

Do you have an App for that? Mobile marketing is the growth industry. Although it is in its infancy it will grow quickly. Speak with your Web Designer  and see how you can become part of this growing market.

Are you seeing a thread of commonality through these trends? Yes, the internet. A year or two ago it wasn’t as powerful as it is becoming today for small business owners. There are more tools and affordable opportunities out there. Use them. Be smart. Get yourself educated or have your Web Designer to put together an action plan for 2012.