I spent last weekend at the American Society of Journalists and Authors conference in New York, which was fantastic. One of the more impressive presenters was Fauzia Burke of the online publicity company FSB Associates. Her take-home message was this:

 Today's customers are mobile and social. 

 What does this mean? 

 Number one, they are consuming a large amount of content on their smartphones as well as their computers. Increasingly, they are also making purchases on their mobile phones. Sites need to be optimized for viewing, navigating, and making sales on these small devices. 

 Number two, customers are constantly connected to social media. Businesses need to be plugged into social media, offering many opportunities for customers to receive, share, and comment on content and products. 

These trends will only become more pronounced in the months and years to come.