2009 Internet Marketing Trends

What trends should internet marketers look for in 2009? I've decided to list some of my thoughts on changes in the industry for the coming year, what to expect and emerging marketing opportunities.

Social Media Tools - Just as social media marketing has become more popular over the last few years, so has the need for tools to help marketers manage this space. I expect more analytical and management tools for marketers to help make business sense of social media.

Closed Networks - Google will continue to be the major player in search, but do not underestimate closed networks (LinkedIn) and smaller players that fit a niche. Closed networks will continue to grow and may offer more opportunity to reach your target audience.

Internet TV - I have been hyping online TV services like Joost and Hulu for the past year. This will be the year for internet TV in my opinion. Services have jumped through some technical hurdles and now offer respectable performance over a broadband connection. Entertainment is becoming more personalized, so it only makes sense to watch what you want when you want.

Mobile Marketing - Now that we have more advanced mobile networks and devices (iPhone 3G and G2), companies are beginning to invest in mobile applications that compliment their online experience. Many of these applications will enable real time interaction with product and services. What was cocktail conversation a couple years ago will now become a reality for many mobile consumers.

What trends do you think will be the big movers in 2009?

Internet TV is back ... and so are music videos

After downloading Joost, a free internet based TV service, about a year ago I was impressed but not completely sold on how the platform would flourish. The old Joost required a download, an install and didn't work on all computing platforms. Joost has come back with a web based version of their web TV service that is somewhat similar to YouTube. YouTube, ironically, is going the route of offering full-length network TV shows. Seeing a trend here?

It appears as though both Joost and YouTube have figured out that in order to make money you need ads and in order to deliver content you need open standards. Duh?! What I do like most of all about Joost are the channels for my favorite music videos. Right now, I'm watching the Beck channel which shows a short 15 second ad in between each video. I don't mind the ads, but it would be nice to see a subscription model that gets rid of the ads for a small fee each month.

Joost Beta Review

I'm watching my first full week of Joost and I must say that I am impressed. I was a little skeptical about the content and channels that would appear on my beta version of Joost. For such an early start to this new product, they seem to have a good variety of channels. This is the first real win, in my opinion, for internet TV.
















The challenge will be how I get Joost running on a regular plasma TV. I'm not expecting great resolution, but its worth a try. I'll post my findings on this blog. Wish me luck!

Helpful Links:

Joost Beta Signup

Gin and Joost

There seems to be a lot of hoopla on blogs for a new internet TV platform called Joost. I'm still patiently waiting for my beta version. What are the possibilities of marketing for a platform such as Joost?

Internet TV Resouces:

• JumpTV
• Joost