5 Early Predictions For Online Marketers In 2010

I know this is early, but I also know a lot of online marketers have watched their sales drop. Some of them are out of business; some now have jobs. Some are starting over from scratch, while some have moved on from online marketing. And, as I see it, many who are just holding on are likely to get swallowed up. That’s why I’ve decided to post my predictions for 2010 now.

I’m in the online trenches every day. Here, then, is my take on the top five trends for online marketers in 2010 and beyond.

PREDICTION #1:

The “brand name” online marketers will have to expand out of the current circle-jerk environment of “I’ll mail for you if you mail for me marketing.” The affiliate numbers are declining for this crowd, and it’s going to get worse. People are paying less attention, and sales will continue to drop for lazy marketers with rehashed material. Since this accounts for roughly 95% of the market, you’re going to see a cleaning-up period.

PREDICTION #2:

Search Engine Optimization will become easier but will require more labor. I believe Google will reward websites that have ACTIVITY more and more. I predict a big shift from boring, static pages that follow all the rules to blogs and authority pages where people can make comments and engage. Google can tell if you comment on your own blog, etc., but they can also tell if you have a mixture of IP addresses around the world, commenting on and ENGAGING with your content. This is going to require content providers to step up their game, be unique, and involve more people. Providing an environment where people can be involved is going to be very important.