- Social networks are revolutionizing the internet. Younger customers aren't listening to companies talking about themselves. They are listening to people they trust talking about themselves as related to companies. Companies need to foster opportunities for customers to share their experiences as “experts.” (Think Amazon reviews. Think of people talking about their iPods.)

- Company blogs are critical in this age. Consider starting one if you haven’t, to put a face with the company – not an antiseptic marketing face, but authentic, like a trusted friend. I believe Twitter “mini blogs” will also become more important this year. Consider having your president or someone “in the know” maintain one. Google has a particular love for blogs in its search ranking algorithm.

- Develop relationships with relevant bloggers, since links from relevant blogs not only introduce new people to your company, but they are so important for Google rankings.  I believe online PR placements and ads almost always have a greater ROI than offline PR and ads. I know this is a bold statement, but I’ve seen it many times. It’s just hard to overcome what I call “sofa inertia,” which is what it takes to get people off their sofa to their computer when they see your ad or PR on TV, in a newspaper, etc.

We're in a new marketing age that is transforming marketing as we knew it. "Younger" customers respond so differently to marketing than before. And if you think I mean twentysomethings, think again. Audiences well into their 40’s are responding more and more like the 20 year olds who used to baffle us. In over 13 years of online marketing, I’ve never been so excited by the paradigm shift that’s happening. Companies just need to make sure we are capitalizing on this shift.

Do you have ideas or questions on marketing in this new era? Agree or disagree? Post your thoughts in comments.