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Upcoming Digital Marketing Trends You Should Consider
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Digital marketing is something which may have changed over the years, but it is still very important. The way we consume marketing online has gotten more sophisticated thanks to the way we browse the web. For example, an emerging majority of people now prefer browsing the internet and communicating with people via mobile as opposed to via desktop PC or Mac. This is one trend which isn’t new, but it’s one all brands should already be prepared to work with.
We’re halfway into 2019 and believe it or not, some emerging trends will continue to inspire people until the end of the year. If you want to get ahead of the competition in 2020, it makes sense to pay attention to some of the remaining marketing tricks 2019 has left to offer. Let’s take a look at some of the most exciting ones.
Social Media is Splitting its Audiences
This has been a trend emerging for some time. However, now is the time to start sitting up and taking notice. The fact of the matter is that Facebook and Instagram – in particular – are being used by very different audiences of people. The former is now seen by many as somewhat ‘old-school’, and recent issues with privacy have helped to dent the network’s reputation. Believe it or not, around 41% of American Facebook users are pensioners!
Instagram, meanwhile, is continuing to be adopted by young people. Its main demographic is people under the age of 30. Its snapshot-sharing ethos has grown extremely popular with users looking to make a patchwork quilt of their photos. Where does this all tie in with digital marketing?
Ultimately, it’s about using the right social network to play to the right audience. Is your audience mainly people between the ages of 16 and 30? You’re going to want to set up an Instagram account. Anyone older than that may be easier to engage with on Facebook. As always, there are exceptions to this rule – but it’s something to bear in mind.
Don’t Shy Away From the Camera
Video is said to be the fastest-growing digital marketing platform of them all. YouTube has grown to be such a leviathan with audiences of all ages. In fact, it’s recommended as one of your default networks when getting a business online.
Video is easy to record and even easier to watch. If you want to get complex points across and engage with people, you will want to set up a regular video strategy.
Depending on your business type, you could set up how-to videos, top-ten lists, or even regular chats with guests. People genuinely interested in your industry and what you do will be willing to subscribe to you and watch your content in action. YouTube is not just a great marketing tool; it’s an incredible earning ground. The top YouTubers earn millions per year from user engagement, advertising and affiliate marketing.
Consider Live Video, Too
Sticking with video content, another emerging trend in this field is live video. Live videos help you to appear more human and more approachable and will even allow you to interact with fans and followers. Live marketing has become a big draw for people who follow ‘influencers’ on social media. Again, consuming and getting behind this type of content is straightforward. Again, it’s also easy to produce. You just need to be willing to sit in front of the camera in real time or find someone who will be happy to do all the showmanship for you!
The Rise of the Chatbots
Chatbots are fast becoming exceptionally sophisticated. These automated customer service agents can be consulted online for answers to specific questions. As such, they can be relied on to learn and to formulate advanced responses. Outsourcing menial tasks to chatbots and other AI is already rife online. Some social networks already employ chatbots to handle low-level queries, and those where money can be saved by not having internal staff work on them.
Chatbots aren’t something the high-level brands and corporations are getting stuck into. The fact is that plenty of SMEs and entrepreneurs are putting them to the task of helping customers help themselves. Of course, you should always have some form of customer service strategy in mind where people can approach you directly. However, Chatbots are leading the way for massive convenience for all parties. It makes sense to invest now.
Voice Search is Bigger Than Ever
Anyone who assumed voice search was part of a big fad will be proven wrong. The rise of home assistant devices such as the Amazon Echo and the Google Home system means that people are searching with their voices more than ever. This, however, means that significant changes need to be made in how web content is organised and promoted. You may have your SEO ultimately worked out as far as traditional search is concerned. However, how can you be sure that users can easily find the content they need by voice?
There are plenty of great ways to optimise your web content for voice. It’s become a new part of everyday SEO strategy. As such, any good web design agency can help optimise your web content for a new audience of searchers.
Don’t Discount Email Marketing
Email marketing may seem a little old hat in some ways; however, it’s getting more personal. Emails are being tooled to be more specific to certain needs, and what’s more, email engagement takes place with people who want to receive your communications. Therefore, the hurdle of appealing to the right people is always leapt over. A sound email system may give your audience the calls to action they need to connect with you.
Content Strategy is Still King
Last but not least, please don’t ignore the importance of excellent web content. Content marketing works wonders for targeted marketing, and it’s still a great way to establish yourself as an authority in your field or industry. Do you want people to link back to or cite you as a source? Continue producing engaging, genuinely helpful content from which people can find answers in just a quick read. What’s more, you should be tying this in with your SEO strategy as a priority.
Keep on Innovating
As a modern business, you should always be ready to innovate and strive to be different. This goes for your marketing strategies, too! However, you won’t have to go it alone. With the right digital marketing team, you’ll be able to appeal to more people and generate more leads.
SEO CoPilot Ltd is not just a run-of-the-mill web design agency. We are seasoned experts helping businesses and brands find their feet in an often confusing and complex online landscape! If you’d like to know more about how our team can help manage your online profile and digital marketing strategies moving forward, contact us today at 01246 556 565.
