In today’s digital world, it’s important to keep a tab on ever-evolving online marketing trends. That’s because business owners today don’t just sell products. They communicate with their customers and tell stories online.
Unfortunately, online marketing trends change so often that it can be hard to keep up. What works one year might be antiquated soon after. It’s always a good idea to keep yourself educated on what’s working and what isn’t.
Here are 5 online marketing trends to remember as you strategize this year.
1. Video Is Here to Stay
If you haven’t noticed, social media is ripe with videos. Educational, inspirational, and even humorous videos help drive engagement and tell the story you want your brand to tell.
As part of your digital marketing strategies, you should invest some resources in video. Examples include creating a hero video for social media that explains what your company does or writing an educational series that teaches your audience about a product.
In either case, people consume videos longer than other forms of content. Just be sure to put closed captioning so people can still enjoy your videos when they can’t listen to audio.
2. AI Is Already Here
Some people are still living in that space with online marketing strategies where they think artificial intelligence is “on its way.” But the truth is, it’s already here.
Small businesses are using AI to predict trends, automate rote tasks that help them analyze data, and learn more about their ideal customers.
It can’t hurt to look into your industry’s connection to AI. Your business will benefit from you simply acknowledging that it may be time to jump in headfirst.
3. Email Marketing Still Works
With so many new online marketing trends, it can be easy to think email is old news.
However, email still offers you a direct pipeline to your customers and killer conversion rates when done well.
This one’s short and sweet: don’t listen to anyone saying it’s an obsolete tactic. In fact, invest more resources to make sure you’re doing it well.
4. Customers Appreciate Direct Interactions
It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in. Today’s consumer, more than ever, appreciates intimate contact. That’s why anything you build into your marketing plan should have a personal touch to it.
This could mean:
- Reaching out to customers directly
- Offering incentives for feedback and/or their time
- Texting customers to let them know the latest details
In a world where the link between loneliness and technology is clear, aim to be personable.
5. SEO Is Key For Organic Traffic
It’s overwhelmingly clear: people find new stuff on search engines. If your website and its content isn’t optimized for Google, Yahoo, and Bing!, you’re missing out on building your audience and connecting with new customers.
Search engine optimization is a deep wormhole. But you should at least make sure you’re following the basic rules so you don’t get docked for it by Google.
Online Marketing Trends
There are many online marketing trends you could be following in 2021. But if you’re still implementing strategies from even a few years ago, you might be missing out.
Video, artificial intelligence, email marketing, direct communication and SEO are the five big areas we’d recommend you focus on in 2021 and beyond.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you thrive in this digital landscape.