After an exceptional year for social media in 2013 there’s plenty to look forward to in 2014. Here, we take a look at some of the predictions for 2014.

You’ve got to be on Google +. As Penny C. Sansevieri says[1], it’s no longer going to be optional. Google +has become much more dominant throughout 2013 and it has an effect in your rankings, if you’ve got a good Google + profile you’ll get higher up on those search results. Get posting!

It’s all about looks. That’s right the strength of visual social media has been demonstrated in 2013 with Facebook’s $3 billion offer to Snapchat. 2014 will be all about visual images whether static (Snapchat, Pinterest and Instagram) or video. With the number of apps now available to create your own snazzy videos YouTube will see a much bigger growth in use from small businesses and private accounts alike.

Facebook are going to make it harder. After bringing in the 20% rule 2013 it is possible that Facebook could make it even more difficult for businesses to utilise the site to market effectively. Some have predicted that Facebook will become an entirely paid site where businesses will have to pay if they want any of their content to be seen by new markets. Let’s hope this one doesn’t come to pass.

It’s all going to be relevant, super relevant. After the Super Bowl blackout in 2013 marketeers can expect 2014 to be a whole different kettle of fish. When half the power went out in the stadium Oreo were quick to change their content sending a tweet that said “Power Out? No problem. You can still dunk in the dark.” It got over 15,000 retweets and national press coverage, and was more successful than the $4million TV ad they had paid for at the Super Bowl. In 2014 people are going to expect companies to be hyper-relevant commenting on events as they happen and tailoring their marketing to suit. It’s a risky business for the marketeers but certainly plausible for the year ahead.