By Bob Speyer, Web Success Team

With the phenomenal growth of Facebook, marketers and businesses are putting more energy and effort into using Facebook as the spearhead of any online marketing campaign. It’s reach is undeniable with over 500 million users. However, Facebook is not without its faults, such as the leak of 100 million Facebook user pages. Security was definitely a hot button issue. So the question I want to ask is, “Are their more eggs laying around the marketing nest that could hatch into online success?”

Facebook Competitors in 2011

2011 will be a watershed year where new Facebook competitors will make a push for your marketing efforts. One to watch out for is Diaspora. This new social networking model stresses security with their motto, “Share what you want, with whom you want.” Their main tact is to emphasize ownership of user content shared with your contacts. Another major player in the social media network landscape will be Google Me that launches in the first quarter of 2011.

In this hyper competitive world of online marketing and competition for eyeballs, it is good marketing to keep abreast of these new and emerging social networks. Those prepared to embrace this new wave will be best positioned to increase market share for their products and services, piggyback on the wave of publicity surrounding their launch, and enjoy the profits from their growing customer base. By standing out from the crowd or at least following new marketing technologies will allow you to appear more innovative and willing to see and embrace opportunity.

More Predictions…

I also predict that local social networking will continue to grow as more and more people will support their community, whenever possible. Mobile search will be huge with the exponential growth of smart phones. We are a culture on the go and aren’t about to slow down. Our mobile phones are our virtual office and our conduit to the outside world. Coupons will continue to play a big role in our buying habits. Everyone wants a deal or a better deal. Our economy may be emerging from the dark days of recession, but our thirst for discounts will remain a motivating factor affecting our buying habits.

In the final analysis, diversification in your marketing efforts is a formula for online marketing success, particularly in the social media marketing arena. Relying only on the golden Facebook egg not a productive strategy for 2011.