As the saying goes, out with the old, in with the new... Some social media tools worked very well in the past year, while others didn't quite meet the expected standards.
Besides the use of current platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Instagram and Pinterest, there will certainly be a growth in new social media channels.
The Top Free Social Media Tools Report explores the most used social media management, monitoring and analytics tools by top agencies, brands, strategists and social media influencers in the social media and online industry in South Africa. Download the report (678KB)
According to a report on Yahoo! Small Business Advisor, some of the innovations to look out for include:
Social media TV - This term refers to the amalgamation of social media and television. In the coming year we will begin to see television networks utilising social media and what the public is posting on social media sites.
Social good - In 2014 we can expect an increase in the use of social media and technology to increase the messages and the efforts of non-profits and other community action organisations for a greater good.
Flipboard publishing - This will allow publishers to share content on interactive platforms.
The blog Business Women of Opinion! recently posted 2014 - what's hot or not in social media, and lists social media networks that are bound to grow in 2014.
The list includes:
Forbes also reports the Top 7 social media marketing trends that will dominate in 2014.
It's evident that businesses have realised the need to integrate their social media efforts with their content strategy, and in doing so, will see an impact on lead generation, referral traffic and revenue.