Technology just keeps getting better, and there’s no stopping when it comes to the various innovations the industry can come up with.
Digital marketing is now increasingly being used over traditional marketing efforts by many businesses globally, and trends change as consumers also evolve. Now more than ever, businesses are fast to adapt these changes so they can keep their audience’s’ attention and patronage.
Here are seven innovative marketing trends that you can use for 2019 to help your business.
1. Social media is still on the rise.
Statistics show that there are more than 3 billion social media users globally. By the numbers shown by social media giants like Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, Pinterest LinkedIn, among others, it is apparent that social media platforms will still be a trend in 2019. This means that getting your online presence matters and your social media marketing strategies will need to be competitive.
Positive social proof will build your loyal community regardless of industry; this is why there are marketing services for lawyers, doctors, engineers, and others. Any industry can achieve success with an online presence, just like how BF Law is reaching out to its audience through helpful legal advice.
2. Artificial intelligence and chatbots
While artificial intelligence (AI) can be a heated discussion, it is widely being accepted especially in e-commerce. The most common type of Ai are chatbots, usually present in a website for quick customer support.
Chatbots allow companies to be able to cater to customers’ questions without letting them wait for answers and can give suggestions based on keywords they type in. Chatbot-powered marketing will be a norm, and soon the incorporation of AI in e-commerce platforms will be more than chatbots and evolve into understanding possible customer behaviors, i.e., if they merely want to research, or if they do want to purchase, and being more predictive with search terms.
3. Voice search
Voice search has existed for some time, as it’s incorporated in mobile phones and there are now various assistants with this technology. However, there has been an increase in voice search as identified by Google.
Another survey has found that consumers are using voice search to look for local businesses and there is even an increase of voice search being done in offices, which apparently is more efficient.
4. Visual search
We take photos of almost everything – selfies, food, sunsets, beaches, and pets, among others. At the same time, it seems that there has been an evolution of how digital users take photos as it is now compared to being a reflex.
People take pictures of books to read, décor they like, of announcements on boards instead of writing down, and many more. There is a visual culture that depends on photos and videos to remember things. Thus, some companies have now started to incorporate a visual search on their apps. For example, eBay has an image search tool so that they can look for an item similar to what you’re looking for.
5. Video content is increasing
While video content has already been seen to have a higher demand, it looks like it’s going to be a continuing trend for the next year. Videos are perceived to be more authentic than mere photos, so it can have a better marketing impact on potential buyers compared to a still photograph.
If you haven’t incorporated video content into your business, then that’s certainly something that you want to strategize to keep up with the competition.
6. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
The users of this digital era want to engage and participate. Gone are the days when users simply sit and watch. Because of this consumer shift, AR and VR are both becoming fields of interest and marketing opportunities.
Many big brands like IKEA, Starbucks, and Cisco have incorporated these technologies. AR and VR technology can be used by e-commerce brands to walk a customer through using their products, or solutions. It’s like a high-technology version of a product demonstration.
7. Authentic storytelling
Because digital marketing has skyrocketed, consumers are now looking for more authentic content and brands. With the growth of influencer marketing and the high chances that it won’t go away soon, consumers are now more picky with whom to trust.
It’s vital that your marketing strategies deliver authenticity like including user-generated content (UGC) and that your brand’s storytelling efforts communicate well to your customers.
Content marketing trends are brought about by the combination of innovation and consumer evolution. To be able to compete in a saturated industry globally, your business will have to adapt to current trends and keep a close watch to what your audience needs and wants. As the new year comes in, so should your marketing practices too.
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