The past 18 months have been a complete write off for many businesses, but not for digital marketing. This has been one of the busiest periods we have faced in many years. With more and more businesses being in demand for online presence it is becoming busier each month. But hey, at least we aren’t having to wear our slacks anymore. Back to the office it is for a lot of us. 2021 is our year for freedom now we are about halfway through it so fingers crossed that things will be back to normal by 2022.
The pandemic has taught us many things such as the importance of work-life balance and also the importance of digital marketing. It is an essential tool for businesses to make money whilst not being in their workspace. In this article, we will go through some of the key marketing trends to be followed in 2021 so that you can beat your competition. No matter if you are a design, SEO, marketing or branding agency Manchester, London or Dubai, these are for the whole world to be following.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence, also known as AI is not something of the future anymore, it is here. The great thing about AI is that it is only going to get bigger and better the more we use it and the more we can learn of its countless benefits. If you haven’t already implemented AI into your business, it is definitely something that should be in your plan for the future as it will save you money by doing little tasks on its own.
Many different companies currently use AI to prevent crime and to patrol car parks like Uber and Microsoft. The AI robots are programmed to read number plates and report suspicious movements around a car.
Many organisations are also using AI for chatbots such as banks and service providers. This cuts out the middleman and allows them to get on with different priorities.
Reasons To adopt AI
- Allows businesses to gain a competitive advantage
- AI allows a business to go into new businesses
- Many new businesses will start with this technology leaving you in the dark.
- Reduces Costs
- Suppliers are now offering AI services and products.
Chatbots
Chatbots are extremely popular in recent years, they are quick and effective. This technology can respond to questions faster than a person, which is extremely useful. Nearly 85% of customer service is now through chatbots which include organisations like EE the mobile network provider or clothing giants like Asos.
Video Marketing
Video marketing has hit the internet with a storm in recent years. Many more people enjoy watching videos on social media and it is one of the most popular forms of marketing in 2021. It is not hard to see why this should already be happening within your business.
Figures:
- 70% of customers have shared a company’s video
- 72% of business owners said their CTR has increased
- 52% of customers watch a video before using a business.
This isn’t just talking about the standard YouTube but all the social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and yes, of course, the new kid on the block, TikTok. More people are watching videos in recent years on their mobile devices, as they are using their phones for almost everything these days so it is key to take that into perspective. Having something easily accessible is key for this to work.
A survey goes to explain that someone is more than 50% more likely to drive traffic to your website. Another great thing about videos is that they can be reused meaning they can be posted on all the above platforms at the same time and more.
Ways That A Video Can Be Re-marketed:
- Transcribe the video and make it into text and a video
- Improve rankings by altering the wording and link the video in the text for a backlink
- Upload a raw video to Facebook for better impressions
- Make it into a podcast
- Use video as a thumbnail for an email which will, in turn, be opened
Voice Search & Smart Speakers
Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant are a basic part of people’s lives these days and more people are joining the craze each year they develop their smart speakers. For this reason, businesses are now looking at innovative new ways in which they can utilise this new technology to benefit their business further such as boosting sales and getting their site optimised for smart search. A survey shows that around 50% of searches are now done through voice search which will increase over time which will then create a new market for businesses.
Examples of Voice Search
Patron Tequila: Allows customers to access cocktails
Domino’s: Allows customers to order pizza without calling
Campbell’s: Allows consumers to choose and cook recipes they want
Social Messaging Apps
Social media messaging apps are not just for chatting anymore, with the likes of WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Snapchat all combining their chat for something else entirely. Over 1.6 billion users activate WhatsApp on a monthly regime which is around 55 billion messages being sent. Facebook Messenger has around 1.3 billion users and sends over 10 billion messages a month.
People use social media daily so it makes sense for businesses to find ways to market on these platforms. Social media messaging apps are a great way for businesses to be more personable with their customers which can add much more value to the users.
Reasons For Businesses To Use Messaging Apps:
- Acquire new contacts
- Deliver faster targeting information
- Boost sales
- Involve more people in events and webinars
- Retain potential clients
- Provide personable assistance and support.
Digital marketing is not going anywhere and it is extremely important to be following the trends if you want your business to succeed. For this to happen there are many great blog sites where you can keep up to date on the latest trends and developments within the industry. If you haven’t already implemented some of these marketing trends within your business, you should be getting on with this now.
