This November and December, shoppers didn’t just flock to malls and shopping centers to find gifts for family and friends, but also to their personal computers and mobile devices. According to comScore, the 2012 holiday season saw an all-time high in online spending, an increase of 13 percent when compared to 2011.
ComScore reported that consumers spent $35 billion online this season, and that the past week saw $7 billion in online sales. The weeks leading up to Christmas, from November 4 to December 16, have all seen year-over-year upticks when it comes to online sales, beginning in 2009.
Each year, online spending continues to grow as internet users are able to discover gifts in SERPs and on social media platforms. The ability to order over the ‘net {makes finding inexpensive and unique gifts easier.
It’s already December 21, so it’s a little late to optimize web content and social media marketing strategies for holiday spending. Still, this season’s record online spending is a signal to marketers about what resolutions should be made going into the new year. Because ecommerce is taking over, marketers should work extra hard on SEO strategies, custom content, social media presences and building brand awareness in 2013.
According to a recent study by CoreBrand, marketers should work to promote their brands in the coming year. Brands that fell behind in 2012 can work on their content marketing campaigns so that 2013 brings success. “2013 will be the year of commitment to growth,” said James Gregory, founder and CEO of CoreBrand. “Corporations and brands that were overly cautious, or even downright dormant in 2012, will require some much needed attention to regain brand momentum.”
For brands looking to gain power in SERPs, 2013 could be the year. Marketers should make resolutions that champion content marketing, white hat SEO strategies, engaging content and an all-around all-star web presence.
