interesting thoughts.

Personally, I think that we will see Google swing up significantly with their new (free) communities vs. Facebook where reaching 100% of your base requires advertising.

Of course, this depends on the willingness of target audiences to make the transition to G+ from FB. But the fact that Google connect YT, G+, email, Drive, in one simple “place” – at least it appears that way, is a major step towards the social media consolidation we’ve all been waiting for.

Curious to see how FB’s vote goes. I voted against receiving random message.

Best,

Natascha

Very well presented article!

I think where social media marketing is headed in year 2013, customer data, or “insight” as we call it will play a big part.

Intent-based targeting will be a key metric, as it has always been for search engine marketing. Progressing into year 2013, I expect greater adoption for Facebook very own real-time, cookie-powered advertising platform known as the Facebook Exchange.

Social media advertising has yet to proven itself the way search advertising has. It certainly has its place in any integrated digital marketing mix, but compare that to what search advertising has been able to accomplish in regards to spotting ‘intent’ and serving contextually relevant ads, social advertising has still a long way to go.

I wrote about intent based targeting and where search and social advertising might be headed here: http://www.officialsamuel.com/blog/ad-targeting-search-vs-social/

Thanks again Jeff!

Samuel Chan