If you are involved in online marketing i.e. of your own ebook, courses etc. What are the best approaches to find out how things will change in the coming years, for example: What your target market will want, maybe it'l be an app instead of your ebook. What new marketing techniques will be used by competitors. What you need to be preparing for and starting to offer. Appreciate any tips.
For this you just have to read from other sources, such as sites relating to the product you sell, blogs, magazines, etc. I don't there is a definitive way to check this. You might like to see if the demand of your product is increasing or decreasing using google trends though.
There is no definitive tool that can help you with this. Your best bet is to keep up to date with competitors and the market your selling to. But it's truly all risk-taking.
Funny question really. In its essence you are asking about a way to not only see the future, but determine the future moves of your competition also. If such a way exists I would be among the first jumping on the bandwagon, believe me The closest you can get to that is to constantly read, inform yourself about the trends and have the analytical mind to react to that information. The more you improve yourself, the more flexible you will be become to predicting innovations and their impact.
For that you have read, read and read a lot about the industry. Keep attach to your business. Be aware of the latest happening in the format. If you can stick to Social Media you can also get more ideas. Developing a truly customer-centric business can help as well. Above all Experience will give you more in depth knowledge of sighting future trend.
I'm going to echo some of the things that were said. Research the industry, know your clients, and get feedback.