As the nation takes down their decorations and prepares to tighten their belts, the team at Democracy PR predict the ones to watch in 2011.

It’s all about the numbers: (From Jennifer)

After a few years of being marketing’s funkiest team member, social media is about to get serious as communication teams and finance departments ask more questions about the cost of activity versus the results delivered. Supporting a Facebook page, engaging in forums, creating that online video all need to have a purpose and demonstrate return.

Consolidation: (From Simon)

Gowalla let’s you check into Four Square, twitter does locations and Facebook let’s you do everything (plus it’s making money) …. social platforms are trying to be all things to all people and in 2011 I think we’ll see consolidation as we simplify the channels we use.

Rather than a prediction, I hope twitter starts to make some money soon … we rely on it so much that without a revenue model their future is precarious, and I, for one, would miss it.

Location-Based Marketing: (From Maxine)

Thanks to sites and applications such as Gowalla, Foursquare and more recently, Facebook places, people are becoming more accustomed to the idea of ‘checking in’ at various locations. As these apps become more widely available on various smartphone makes and models, businesses will be able target user’s likes and interests- and offer tailored packages to suit individuals. If you’re not doing it yet, then speak to your social media agency about to make it happen (or talk to us!)

Daybreak in 3D?: Hannah

The whole 3D concept is nothing new, but my prediction for 2011 is that we’ll see the concept of 3D becoming common practice across all forms of media. Last month, Japan launched the first glasses free 3D TV to mixed reviews. As internet-connected 3D televisions starts to become more affordable, expect the demand for three-dimensional content (including online content) to take over. It will take time, and unless Daybreak makes some substantial changes, I doubt we’ll ever see Adrian and Christine on 3D.

Turning a page with e-books: (Fraser)

Based on massive sales figures in December 2010 my 2011 prediction is that, with Amazon’s Kindle spearheading the trend, the ebook will become the next big thing. The obstacles in the way of the ebook are ereader apps on tablets and smartphones, but with e ink so damned impressive on the Kindle I don’t anticipate this to be a difficult battle to win. Hardback books should be more expensive than their digital versions so as long as the recent ‘book lending’ initiative doesn’t become a victim of its own success (ebook unit sales will increase but surely book lending will hit publisher revenues) 2011 might well be the year that sees ebooks take a significant share of the book market.

Want to know more about our predictions for 2011? – then get in touch, we’d love to welcome you to our new office later this month.