It's that time again-- the time when every social media marketer makes their "predictions" for the upcoming year. Here's Likeable's take on what's next! 1. Mobile optimization becomes a "permission to play". Data will continue to emerge that shows how sites that are optimized for mobile will convert more customers. As we consolidate devices (our phones are more than just cameras-- they're credit cards,blogging platforms, and more!), the reconfiguring of your site to be mobile-friendly will no longer be an option. It's a necessity. 2. QR codes will continue to be the most "misused" hot item in 2012. Marketers will slap a QR code on everything and anything, and wonder why it's not working. A few standout campaigns that fully integrate QR codes well will have outstanding results. The remaining marketers will be left scratching their heads. 3. Facebook Credits will finally matter, and be introduced as a true method of payment. As Facebook Credits become more widely used, so will the concept of purchasing through Facebook-- look for a rise in F-Commerce in 2012. 4. Location-based marketing continues deeper integration with merchant service companies (think Amex's Like Link Love) to make "deals" via checkins much more scaleable. No more explaining foursquare to the confused clerk at the counter-- users will simply have a credit added to their card statements. 5. Retailers finally get it. Retailers begin to add and integrate social into the in-store shopping experience, reminding users to leave reviews, check in, and share their experiences. Look for more tablets at retail locations as retailers begin to take social much more seriously at the store level in 2012. 6. Google+ takes a totally opposite approach from Facebook, in that in 2012 they worry way less about users, and focus more on working with brands. Once they convince brands of the search weighting of Google+, brands will flock, and from search alone, Google+ becomes an immediate customer service and conversion vehicle, despite the fact that users will NOT use this network socially. 7. Likes alone won't be enough to satisfy companies. As social media matures, so does the need for sales results. There's no more "let's just see what happens with this thing". In order to track sales results, brands need data, and Facebook insights will need to get more sophisticated in terms of conversion. They won't do that in 2012 for fear of lack of results. And so, brands will utilize Facebook to drive to more data focused sites-- either through Facebook Connect, applications, or microsites. What are YOUR social media predictions? Do you agree or disagree with our predictions? Let us know in the comments below!

1. LIKEABLE MEDIA’S
2012
PREDICTIONS
PRESENTED BY
CARRIE KERPEN
DECEMBER 8, 2011

2. #1. GO MOBILE OR GO
HOME
All digital efforts must be
optimized for mobile in 2012 if
brands want to be seen and
shared.
Consolidation of devices will
continue, and mobile devices
will serve as cameras, credit
cards, blogging platforms, and
more!

3. #2. QR CODE
OVERKILL
QR Codes will be used by
marketers galore, viewed as
an easy add-on to packaging.
Similar to the F icon, a QR
code that does give a reason
to scan it will leave marketers
asking why no one is paying
attention.
Integrated QR codes that are
a part of an integrated
marketing message will
resonate.

4. #3. DAILY DEALS VERSUS
GROUP BUYING
Daily Deal sites will see a
decrease in subscriptions as
email inboxes become more
cluttered.
Social Group Buying which
uses collective buying power
will continue to grow and be
integrated into e-commerce.

5. #5. KEEP YOUR EYES ON
F-COMMERCE
F-Commerce will continue to
be a hot topic in 2012, as
marketers wait and see if the
platform takes off.
When Facebook credits are
widely adopted as
currency, early adopters of F-
commerce will reap the
benefits

6. #6. SUCCESS THROUGH
SIMPLICITY
In this increasingly
crowded and loud
space, platforms and
programs that are simple
to use and understand
will win.

7. #7. EFFORTLESS REWARDS FOR
LOCATION SERVICES
Businesses will reward
customers for loyalty/retail
checkins with a more
streamlined fulfillment.
Look for statement credits or
loyalty points that
automatically post for a
user, leaving little room for
human error.

8. #8. THE EVOLUTION OF THE
EARLY ADOPTER
Early adopters tire of the
“mainstream” social media
sites, and flee to more
private, clean sites like
PATH.com
Realizing there are far fewer
people to hear their
message, they go back to the
mainstream sites for their
public presence, while using
privatized networks for more
intimate connections.

9. #8. THE EVOLUTION OF
RETAIL LOCATIONS
Shopping will begin to take on
a different feel at the store
level.
Social touchscreens will
become widely adopted and
allow users to order and
review products while in
physical locations.

10. #9. GOING DEEPER THAN THE
FACEBOOK LIKE
As data becomes a hot topic
with brands, the need to get
more access than the basic
Facebook insights will
increase.
This will result in a resurgence
of social and mobile apps.
The need for good content will
be higher than ever.

11. #10. THE BACKWARDS, YET WINNING APPROACH FOR
GOOGLE+
While Facebook grew its user
base first, Google+ will take a
different approach.
Google+ will introduce search
algorithm and deal features into
their product, and bring users
to them to search for deals–
making it the less social, and
more deal focused, social
network.
And it will work.

12. THANK YOU!