The application of internet and other media and technology to support modern marketing has given rise to an amazing range of labels and jargons created by academics and professionals. And it has been named as digital marketing, internet marketing, e-marketing and web marketing. These alternative terms have varied through time.
Digital marketing includes all the marketing efforts that use an electronic device or the internet. Businesses take advantage of digital channels such as search engines, social media, email, and other websites to connect with the prospective customers.
Unlike traditional marketing where traditional mediums like print ads, phone communication, and physical marketing are used, digital marketing emphasize on electronic and online Medias. This makes the business to reach more customers. Digital marketing is vital for the business and brand awareness. Nowadays every business has a media presence or digital strategy in one way or other. Digital marketing is so common that the consumers are relying on its way to learn about brands.
All thanks to the pandemic, the retail landscape has dramatically transformed, with customers developing new buying habits and upping their brand expectations. Digital marketing has evolved around two distinct, but almost two contradictory concepts. First one, being general humanization, addressing real issues and tailoring content to suit the customer for more personal engagement. Second being, mechanical and technical optimization.
Below we will discuss some of the hottest digital marketing trends of 2021
Voice search
We all know how to search for images and videos by typing the keywords. We can also search for anything using existing images or even use original photos and search for a context. The more users discovering these visual search techniques, it will bring out an overall change in the SEO in general. In order to capitalize on the increased amount of visual searches, it should be ensured that the images and SEO campaigns are in tip-top shape. The beginners can use basics like including alt text in your image description, adding images in the sitemaps, using top-quality images and videos including HD. Familiarizing with the Google lens will be required if businesses are running an e-commerce brand. Handling the SEO techniques at the right point will increase the traffic when consumers use picture searches for products.
Researches states that by 2021, 70% of all the searches will be voice searches. This will surely be a great impact on search trends which will be a significant trend in digital marketing.
Shoppable posts
Customers are diverted to shop with a streamlined shopping experience. So the businesses have to utilize the features of apps for direct selling across platforms. It’s about minimizing the hassle and mitigating losing customers moving between sites and apps. Social media is said to be the biggest platform for online marketing. Based on a survey 60% of Instagram users find new and latest products on Instagram. And when coming to another prominent media Pinterest, it is said that over 4000 Pinterest users find it as a medium for discovering new products. 2021 is expected to see an integration that allows users to complete the purchasing without leaving the social media apps.
Video Marketing
Data shows that 60% of the customers are influenced by the product videos before purchasing them. When it comes to digital marketing, Video marketing is the backbone of digital marketers. Video with a great content of the products will create value and interest among the customers. There will be numerous questions in the mind of a customer before purchasing a product. This is where videos can influence the customers in buying the product. Videos with accurate content on the product can convince the customers and will make them mentally satisfied before the purchase process.
Chat bots powered by AI
There has been an expanded use of chat bots in a big way, as people are spending more time on internet and increased use of e-commerce purchases. This AI based technology makes use of instant messaging to chat in real-time, with the customers and website visitors. The benefits of chat bots are 24 hours service, instant response to enquiries, and answers to straight forward questions. Consumers find it comfortable when messaging an online chat bot to communicate with the business and brand. Businesses can invest in a custom, instantaneous customer support option that will respond to questions and engage with visitors on site.
Interactive content
The trend of interactive content has been around for a while, but it’s used as a best practice nowadays. This technique not only creates engagement, it also improves user’s enjoyment. Interactive content like quizzes, open-ended questions, surveys, contest, giveaways, polls, etc. can do wonders for the business. Consumers want to be engaged always, so the interactive content always improves the user experience. Interactive content has become a part of personalization as it allows the users to have answers for themselves or have their opinions heard. And this will create a more personal connection to the brand. This can also be used as a medium for collecting data on user preference, such as product or site improvements.
These digital marketing trends does not represent a complete list, there is a great place to start when planning on your 2021 digital marketing strategy. Explore the new trends in digital marketing and keep your main focus on existing customers through regular updating with the latest online marketing trends. Digital marketing has evolved to match the new habits and demands brands and consumers alike. We can say that 2021 will continue with digital transformation and engagement, where the advanced use of technology, marketing strategy and creative ideas will make or break brands. You can rise above your competitors by preparing for these trends through resource shifting, kick starting brainstorm sessions and continuous research.
If you are looking for a partner to help you to grow nimbly, contact Estrrado, which will help you in expanding digital marketing efforts and maintaining relationship with the customers and a step ahead of your competitors.