Digital marketing, particularly social media, is constantly evolving, and keeping up with the trends is difficult. But the dramatic growth of digital platforms offers business owners new ways to grow their presence online. So I thought it would be important to write about the new marketing trends that you should be incorporating into your strategy this year.
1. Discuss what matters: sustainability, goodwill, and more
It’s hard for the consumer to connect with brands that are irresponsible towards the environment or humankind, and are acknowledging those who support sustainability, goodwill, transparency, climate change, and many other issues.
If it isn’t already, how can your business be ethical and socially responsible? For example, many makeup brands now design cruelty-free products. More fashion brands are incorporating inclusivity with different sized models. Think about the issues that are particularly important to your target audience.
2. Video-based content and live streaming
People spend much more time at home than they do attending live events, exhibitions or product launches. So focus on influencers who have a loyal audience. In a survey, 80% of people said they like to engage with live videos instead of pre-recorded ones. This allows them to engage with influencers, ask questions about a product, and shop while watching the live stream.
Instagram and Facebook saw a hike in users’ engagement with live videos. TikTok’s advances in live video features are also likely to be huge in 2022. Brands can also utilise other platforms, such as Amazon live to organise promotional events.
3. Content that takes no effort to consume
Of course you need to strategise your content, but make sure your audience can consume it effortlessly. More and more people are listening to podcasts while travelling. Though Gen-Z doesn’t completely occupy the working population, it dominates social media. Target them with graphics and pictorials to increase engagement.
4. User-generated content
User-generated content is a compelling way to build your brand’s social credibility. What’s more, it’s relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain.
When you post something you’re selling, try to include what customers say about the product or service. This will make your readers want to purchase the item more. Encourage current and previous customers to leave Google reviews, and share & tag you in posts of your product or service on social media. This is huge for brand awareness, and it will make your content more appealing.
5. Use keywords to drive website traffic
While SEO isn’t new, its strategies are becoming even more ingrained with modern day marketing strategies. Make sure your webpage is relevant and targeted to the keywords you want to rank for. This will ensure you get visitors from Google. You should check your current website ranking for particular keywords – if you don’t rank in the top 10 of Google, then the chances of people visiting your website are significantly lower.
Get inspired on what it takes to rank better by clicking on the results that do appear in the top 10 on Google. You can use the same or similar keywords and see how they are used in their webpage. This will tell you if they are using those keywords strategically or not. Click here for more SEO tips.
6. Mobile optimisation will be even more important
It’s no surprise that consumers are spending even more time on mobile devices. More than half of annual online website traffic comes from mobile devices (including tablets). Mobile-optimised digital experiences will be even more vital to consider as a business owner.
Mobile experiences aren’t just important on brand websites, but also in other key marketing strategies. For example, 56% of marketers who work with email are focused on delivering mobile email experiences to subscribers.
