5 Notable Marketing Trends from 2020
The new year signifies a new beginning, a fresh start and an opportunity to reflect on the past year. If there’s one thing 2020 has taught us, it’s to adapt quickly and keep moving forward – despite the changes put in our path.
Whether in the office or working from home, businesses and their employees continued to stay strong and keep serving their customers as best they could. And while the new “normal” of 2020 challenged many businesses to find new ways to connect with and serve their customers, it also opened many new doors of opportunity for them. As we look ahead to a year filled with what will undoubtedly bring about more change, but also a sense of optimism and hope, we are sharing some of the top things business owners should keep an eye on and enhance in the coming months.
5 Things to Watch and Enhance in 2021
Marketing tactics are constantly evolving day in and day out due to new technology, consumer trends and the ever-changing market. The year 2020 was nothing short of surprises and challenges for all – however, it has presented businesses with a unique opportunity to reach a wider audience and connect with their customers in new ways.
If you’re looking for content marketing ideas during a pandemic, we encourage you to take a minute and check out our previous blog here.
Below we share some of the most notable trends our office has seen within the ever-changing world we like to call… marketing, and some tips to hit the ground running in 2021.
1. Offer World-Class Customer Service
Of course, focus on building quality relationships with your customers, near and far. We all know that the year 2020 caused us to remove in-person meetings, adjust business hours and find new ways to communicate with one another. This trend will continue into 2021, and it’s best that businesses and employees take the time to focus on offering an exceptional experience for customers that will keep them coming back for more.
2. Increase in Digital Marketing
This includes having a fully functioning and optimized website, and a strategy for connecting with your customers online – through email marketing, social media marketing, podcasts, and any other platforms where your customers spend their time. In the last 10 years, we have seen a significant increase in online traffic, and 2020 only caused that increase to surge. Without the ability to relay important information and updates face-to-face, customers and businesses are turning to their online platforms to get their message seen.
PS – Don’t forget – your website is your hub. While social media channels can play an important role in your overall marketing strategy, it’s important to remember that those are borrowed platforms, and could be eliminated at any point. Always ensure you have a website to rely on to connect with your audience.
3. Virtual, Virtual, Virtual
The world might have shut down, but that didn’t mean shutting down communications with the ones who matter most – your customers. Conversations have shifted to virtual by using platforms such as Google Meet and Zoom. Working from home now means video conferences, online corporate events and virtual tradeshows.
4. Video Content
Video content is a key element to the success of your online presence. Without the ability to meet face-to-face, customers want to connect with you virtually as much as possible. How can you achieve this and offer them added value at a distance? Video marketing. With 65% of users being visual, it’s important you incorporate a visual strategy that will grab their attention and keep them coming back for more.
2020 also brought us a shift in how videos are produced. Corporate videos are still very much so important; however, we are now seeing more authentic and heartfelt video production in order to keep up with the demand of users. Audiences want you to meet them where they are – however that may look. And authentic video is the key in 2021.
PS – Did you know people are 85% more likely to buy a product or service after watching a video about it?
5. Integrating a Stellar Online-Offline Experience
Brick and mortar stores with little to no online presence have struggled in the past years, and the year 2020 proved the importance of investing in an online presence now more than ever. While some retailers struggled, others thrived – moving more of their purchases and activities to the online space.
The good news? Consumers still enjoy and sometimes even prefer physical stores, but it’s important that businesses adjust their marketing strategy to incorporate an integrated and seamless online and in-store presence. Allow consumers to engage and connect with your brand personally in the online world – this includes taking a close look at your online ordering functionality, as well as integrating with smartphones, social media platforms, augmented reality opportunities, email marketing and more.
You may ask yourself… why is it important to know these marketing trends?
Simply put, trends aid in creating a powerful and effective marketing strategy to keep your business thriving. Knowing the habits of your ideal audience base and implementing a solid marketing strategy will allow you to keep up with customers’ priorities and behaviors, stay ahead of competitors and stay relevant with your target audience.
And as always, remember that while marketing trends change day in and day out – the basics of success in your business remain the same: understand the needs of your audience by building sound customer profiles and meet your customers where they’re at consistently.
If you’re looking for tips on how to keep your social media content fresh and relevant during COVID-19, click here!