The digital marketing industry is a complex yet very volatile industry. With each passing year, changing hardware, software, devices and user preferences make this industry equal parts delicate and exciting.
The industry presents a unique opportunity for anybody to make the most out of, and like we have said time and time again, it is those marketers who can keep pace with these advancements, and continually innovate newer ways who go on to reap the benefits of the online presence.
Failing to plan is planning to fail. This adage is as true in today’s digital age as it was ever. As each year kicks off, there is always a flurry of information on digital marketing trends, filled with immense predictions for the year ahead and the latest marketing trends.
All these seek to answer two vital questions. The “What’s hot?” question – in this case a close examination of the tactics that have been proven and have demonstrated their potential for influencing the way do things.
The other question however, the “What’s next?” question, is the hardest. It aims to predict those practices that we feel have just enough and capacity to introduce a newer, fresher way of doing things.
Providers of digital technologies and platforms and the supporters of such technologies and platforms are always coming up with ingenious ways of improving the end-user’s online experience.
This is an insight into the emerging trends that look set to improve and be with us for the rest of 2020. 2021 looks set to gift us with a great year in online marketing, and it is as easy as abc to get yourself up and going on this journey with us. We can help you set up a workable digital marketing strategy and guide you along the way.
Here are some of our time-tested tricks of executing an effective digital marketing strategy:
⦁ Harness The Power of The “Internet If Things (IoT)”
Previous trends have demonstrated a gradual shift towards personal mobile devices. 2020 saw a leap from desktop to mobile devices and while we admit that it may take some time to get very acquainted with the concept of wearable “smart” devices (e.g. the Apple watch), all indicators point to them starting to gain following in 2016 and beyond. The emergence of these devices presents an incentive to online marketers to adopt more and more apps as well as tools that provide insights into the successes of their digital marketing activities.
⦁ Advertise
Competition in online marketing is increasing dramatically and there is no reason to believe it will stop. We know that increased demand is followed by increased prices and returns. Increased prices will drive unprepared companies out of town, but it is also an opportunity to take advantage of, to establish yourself more.
⦁ Make Use of Video
Video ads are on an upward trend and will start dominating the online experience. While video is certainly not new, with numerous dedicated and free video-sharing platforms like YouTube, hosting interactive content and linking it to your platform for users to see is now very easy.
⦁ Integrate E-Mail and Social Media Marketing
E-mail marketing is good for your business, do not have anybody tell you otherwise. Target your audience with interactive marketing efforts by employing genuine and trustworthy ideas and exercises to build and grow trust with them. From arranging online contests to giving freebies. There are many free tools that you can use to provide insights into the degree of success of such efforts, and these do not require an advanced level of IT knowledge.
⦁ The Influence of Multiple Devices
The idea that a single user can now own more than one devices presents new challenges to digital marketers of today since they are confronted with the reality that their customer is located at multiple locations in their purchase journey.
The best marketers have however turned this challenge into an opportunity by realizing that more devices mean more means of interaction. And with some customers now owning up to three devices, this also means that the time they spend online has also tripled.
⦁ Change in Digital Tactics
Old digital tactics are being gradually replaced by the need to create a common brand experience across the digital platform, both on and offline. As the usage of hand held devices and the proliferation of every day apps play a greater role in influencing the decision of customers, customers themselves expect to be able to access the information they need across all available platforms, devices and apps. Similarly, sellers have to figure out where to look at next, and where to focus.
⦁ It’s Time To Actually “Care”
Think about how your brand is actually changing the lives of its customers. In order to be successful, brands will need to tell stories that reflect actual real brand stories, and not have to rely on cheap selling tricks. Most industry influencers agree that businesses need to produce content that is not only more informative, but also entertaining.
HBR.org says that 64% of consumers who trust the genuineness of their relationship with their brands cite shared values as the primary reason.
⦁ Marketing Automation
Marketing automation is no longer a preserve of the top companies. Companies of all sizes are now able to afford marketing automation, placing them on the same stage with big players in their ability to streamline and quantify their marketing efforts, all in a bid to increase operational efficiencies. Isn’t it time you also took notice?
