The 2014 FIFA World Cup has had a huge impact on consumer behavior in social and search. Google, Marin Software, and Prime Visibility, among others, released numbers showing that chatter on social sites and searches on engines continues to rise. Whether it means people have become more comfortable sharing information, or technology has become more integrated into our everyday lifestyle, the fact remains that very early on in the game there were more social media posts about the 2014 World Cup than in prior years.

Facebook's acquisition of Oculus Rift brought virtual reality into focus for many brand marketers, but Google wants to make it affordable for all to experience. At its I/O conference, Google gave away a cardboard virtual reality kit, calling it an experimental sample for temporary use when paired with a Nexus 5 smartphone. Affordable VR lenses open new possibilities for online and offline advertising.