2010 is going to be the year of advertising on social networks.

Smart network owners quickly learn the huge potential of selling advertising space on their networks. Users will encounter these ads daily and they can be used effectivley both by small local businesses and by large international corporations. The fact that this form of advertising facilitates direct access to obscure, diasporic, niche consumer groups makes it a revolutionary market tool. Ads on social networks are going to be big news in 2010, this is what eMarketer magazine is saying.

Earned media (or free media) is also going to be an important marketing term this year. Earned media refers to the publicity gained through methods other than paid advertising. Posting relevant information on forums, blogs and websites can build up hype about your product and consumers share their opinions about the product with other relevant consumers – thereby allowing businesses to access the target market without having a hefty marketing budget.