The “Internet of Things” refers to the phenomenon of internet connectivity being added to everyday objects.  How will this affect search marketing in the coming years?

A smart coffee cup?

Imagine a coffee mug that automatically sends you deals from nearby coffee shops after you take your last sip.  Or let’s you know when your coffee drops below a certain temperature and needs a refresh.

A smart toilet paper dispenser?

Sure.  A toilet paper dispenser connected to your shopping data.  It let’s you know when you’re about to run out so you don’t get caught after the fact empty handed.  It even finds the best deals at local stores so you can buy in bulk and save.

Better yet, it’s tied into your shopping app and automatically purchases your favorite brand (where it’s delivered by a drone…).

Ain’t technology grand?

The truth is no joke.  The major technology brands are moving towards the Internet of Things, where they envision a world embedded in intelligent electronic devices that manage many everyday aspects of life. From personal fitness to home management to entertainment, shopping, healthy choices, and schedules can be augmented by smart devices.

Effects on Small Business Marketing & SEO

So say your a local plumber.  Or a fitness trainer.  Do you need to get your business information tied into smart sinks that predict clogs, or smart belts that tell people their gut is expanding and it’s time to work out?  Are these smart devices going to replace Google keyword search and online advertisements?

Eventually they may.  But as of 2015 there is no reason to go changing your marketing.

While the technology is there, the implementation will take time.  One major consideration is that consumers must be willing to buy these devices – and costs will be considerable.  And there will be an adoption period as people become accustom to handing over decisions to internet-based automation.  This could be decades away.

Voice Activated Search

From the keyword-based, search engine query perspective, the trend to keep an eye on is voice activated searches.  As the internet begins to encompass us more, it’s likely that people just enunciate their query and have results instantly pop-up on whatever “device” they’re engaged with (phone, TV, wrist watch…).

How search engines rank content for these searches is already in play.  They’ve moved from a more direct analysis of keyword use to trying to match results with the intent of the search.  The cross-over between advertising and information remains important.

Still, with internet marketing, the Internet of Things is a trend worth watching.  Technology changes quickly, and businesses that stay ahead of the curve can position themselves to profit most.