Wow, things have really changed. Google Panda, Penguin, and Peanut Butter. Okay, I don't know what comes after the "Penguin" update but things are certainly going to change. As I think about marketing online and what will differentiate those who find success (versus those who don't), I can't help but think about key characteristics that drive online success.
The two factors that I believe have the greatest influence on online marketing success - today and well into the future - are content and community. Sites that produce valuable, original content, are those who will succeed. Sprinkle in the concept of "community" and you're sure to win.
The sites and online businesses that are creating value today have something with community. Whether the site is a community itself like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or supports a community in some way, social sharing/community is the future of the Internet. Heck, it's more than the future, its the key driver of online businesses.
To enhance the effectiveness of your website, blog, or even "app", consider how content and community are playing role. Are you attracting like minded people to your site? Are you using engaging, unique content to draw them in? Are you fostering a dialog that keeps people coming back time and again?