Here we are, at the beginning of 2018. And, with that, we're starting to see the usual flood of predictions for the year. Naturally, as a digital marketing strategist, I couldn't pass on the opportunity to make my own list of 2018 internet marketing predictions. A year ago, I predicted a lot of change will center around human language search due to the popularity of devices like Google Home, Amazon Echo and of course, Siri. It isn't just the availability of devices that's driving this. Technology is making its way into the backgrounds of our daily lives. By now, an entire generation has grown up with the Internet as the backdrop for everything. Today, everything is always on, and everything is listening. Much of what we do as marketers will be in response to technology that's only now starting to become mainstream. While 2017 proved there is a market ready to embrace the new technology, in 2018 we're going to see it take root. By 2019, we're going to experience a complete transformation of how we reach people, but I'll save that for next year.
Naturally, I could add dozens more 2018 predictions, but in many ways it wouldn't make a difference. The bottom line for business owners and marketers is that building relationships is the key to online success. That's always been true. What's changing is the tools and methodology. If you haven't already, now is the time to embrace it.
Internet Marketing BackgroundAuthor of 13 books and presenter of over 50 keynote speeches a year, it’s no wonder that Guy Kawasaki is our internet marketer of the week. A venture capitalist, entrepreneur and advisor to Google among many other titles, Guy has worked with clients including Nike, Audi, Apple and Microsoft. But what sets Guy apart is his enthusiasm for innovation and entrepreneurship.
A marketing icon, Guy Kawasaki spent much of his early career learning how to sell. After he graduated from Stanford University with a BA in psychology, he enrolled in the MBA program at UCLA. While there, he worked for a fine-jewelry manufacturer, which helped him learn the principles of selling. Later, he took a job at Apple as a “chief evangelist” – a position that required him to “maintain and rejuvenate the Macintosh cult.” Since then, he has worn many hats, including advisor, writer and speaker.
I first became aware of Guy Kawasaki after being given his book The Art of Social Media in one of my university classes. As any college student, I quickly scanned through the book, wondering if it was worth my time. But I quickly realized that this stood out against the towering pile of textbooks we were expected to read. It offered immediate and tangible value. Guy capitalizes on the idea that positioning and branding come down to what the consumer decides, not what you decide. As marketers, we do our best to communicate to the world that our services and products are unique and valuable. But we must remember to continue to innovate, to look out for the next curve, and to roll with the decisions of our consumers. At OCG Creative, innovation is in each of our practices. From creating content strategies, to web development and lead generation – innovation is defined in each thought, definition and creation. For more information on Guy Kawasaki or to view his speech on innovation, visit him at guykawasaki.com.
Seth Godin is a public speaker, bestselling author, entrepreneur and marketing ideologist. He has published 18 books and founded both Yoyodyne and Squidoo. Not only does he have an MBA in marketing from Stanford, but was recently inducted into the Direct Marketing Hall of Fame in 2013. But what sets Seth apart in my mind is his model of marketing ideas in the digital age.
A brilliant marketer, Seth’s focus lies on the nature of ideas. How they are conceived and how they are spread. He brings back the concept of tribes- a human social unit linked by common ties. Seth describes tribes as being about leadership, and about connecting people and ideas.
As a writer, Seth’s reintroduction of the “idea of the tribes” strikes a chord. Converted to marketing, it’s about connecting people to a product that tells a story. A shoe company that gives a pair to the needy for every pair bought. A company grown off the backs of hardworking founders. Writing is about telling a story to people who want to hear it. To create a tribe of like-minded people and lead a movement - even if it is just drawing attention to a company or issue. To me, his lesson is about reinventing how you relate. Being a storyteller turns you into a leader, which sets you apart. In Seth’s words - “In a crowded marketplace, fitting in is a failure. In a busy marketplace, not standing out is the same as being invisible.” Finding what makes our clients unique is what helps drive our marketing strategy. You can find out about his books and speaking engagements by visiting www.sethgodin.com. Or, just type Seth into Google.
