Technology has changed the way we live and how we advertise and sell products. Over the past decade, the rise of social media, online shopping, and platforms like YouTube and Netflix have enabled businesses to engage with customers in new ways.
The number of people connecting to the internet on a daily basis continues to increase, and the marketing trends you need to know now are digital. Here are five key marketing trends businesses need to keep in mind to keep up with the times.
Social Media Shopping
Forbes reports that 72 percent of Instagram users made a purchase while using the app, and 70 percent of Pinterest users use the platform to find new and interesting products. Businesses can now create posts that allow users to shop directly on social media instead of business websites This allows retailers to reach their customers faster and easier.
You want to make it as easy as possible for them to find what they need and buy your products.
Customer Experience
73 percent of respondents say customer experience is an important factor in their purchasing decision. And by customer experience, they put more accent on efficiency, friendly and knowledgeable customer service, and easy payment options.
Companies that can provide a good customer experience retain their customers and attract new ones.
Personalization
There are so many marketing messages around us every day that people can very well ignore them, especially when it comes to products they don’t care about.
To find and connect with the right type of customer, companies personalize their marketing content. This is possible thanks to the data that people generate through their internet searches, online shopping habits, and use of social networks.
Online product recommendations, ads, and even the design of the marketing message itself are tailored to each consumer’s interests and preferences.
According to one report, while 86 percent of people were concerned about privacy issues, 90 percent were happy to share data about their behavior if it meant an easier and cheaper shopping experience.
Video Content
According to Forbes, 91 percent of consumers say they would rather watch interactive, visual content than read traditional information about a product. And consumers are 85 percent more likely to buy your product after watching a video about it.
If an ad is interesting, funny, or unique, people will find it online and share it with their friends. Live videos on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are also known for attracting large audiences and getting people to engage with companies in the comments section, where they can provide feedback and ask questions about products.
SEO
At the top of the results lists of search engines such as Google, Bing, Yahoo, and others. With the internet playing an increasingly central role in marketing and sales, it’s crucial that your business appears in search results when someone performs a similar search. The trend towards digital marketing and a greater focus on the individual customer will undoubtedly continue. Companies that want to gain more market share must constantly update their marketing strategies to stay on the ball.
Erzsebet Frey (Eli Frey) is an ecologist and online entrepreneur with a Master of Science in Ecology from the University of Belgrade. Originally from Serbia, she has lived in Sri Lanka since 2017. Eli has worked internationally in countries like Oman, Brazil, Germany, and Sri Lanka. In 2018, she expanded into SEO and blogging, completing courses from UC Davis and Edinburgh. Besides Litepreneur, Eli has founded multiple websites focused on biology, ecology, environmental science, sustainable and simple living, and outdoor activities. She enjoys creating nature and simple living videos on YouTube and participates in speleology, diving, and hiking.