Digital Marketing Trends of 2020

Marketing trends feel like they're changing constantly. Sometimes faster than most companies and individuals feel like they can keep up with. Believe us when we say that we can relate to that. But don't get discouraged! This is a new year, and with that comes new and exciting marketing trends that will last the whole year, and help you grow stronger and better than ever before! 

It's a new year, which means new things to keep up on! Business doesn't stop for anyone, and we understand that better than most. A new year is an exciting time, but you have to keep up with it or it'll leave you in the dust. With the dawning of 2020 comes the dawning of new social media trends, digital marketing trends, and business trends that are a step or five beyond what we saw in 2019. It might be overwhelming to think about it that way, but at the end of the day - you should be excited! It's time to take new tricks of the trade and see what works best for you and your unique company. Everything in the business world grows and changes, just like we do! It's important to keep up with these changes, just as it is to keep up a strong marketing campaign, a strong social media fingerprint, and not let your social media get pushed into the background. You and your company were made to stand out. You need to keep up with the trends and the times so you're not left behind, or spending time or money on things that just don't work anymore. 

There will always be new trends, it's the way of life. But what you do need to be doing is researching what trends are popular, what's working, and what is going to stick around longer than a fad might. A trend will be effective to many groups of people and will influence your business as a whole. A fad will only be popular and affect certain people, and that is something you want to avoid. To get you back on the right paths of trends and leaning away from second long fads, we are going to be sharing and discussing some of the digital marketing trends you're going to be seeing in 2020 and for some years to come! 

• Customer Experience 

We are VERY excited about this trend because it is something we've talked about for years as being something that needs to be important, at the top of your priority list, and something you should always consider. This is your interaction with our customers and what shapes their overall experience working with you. In this new decade, you need to put your customers first in ways you never have before. It's not just trying to turn people into consumers to buy your product and using your service. This trend is moving towards creating a real connection with your audience, create a relationship, and providing a good experience for them every time. Even if they don't buy something from you every time, you still need to provide this excellence. If they always have a positive experience with you, they will come back when they are ready to become your consumers. Even better, they will be more willing to recommend you to their friends, family, and peers. It's sad how having a positive experience with a company has become such a rarity. It's time to give your customers more than just information. Respond faster to emails, inquiries, and comments on social media. Easy options to pay when on your website or in the store, convenience, being friendly and efficient will lead you towards giving a good experience. In any aspect of your marketing plan and strategy, try and make this idea a number one priority. 

• Smart Marketing 

It's time to respect those numbers that social media apps have been built to collect. We have talked about and dedicated full blogs to how much we love, respect, and are 100% behind the importance of insight-driven marketing. How can you beat the actual numbers that are right there in front of you to prove what is and what is not working in your online marketing? It's black and white, which in a world of marketing grey scale can cut through any questions or doubts. You can optimize your results in digital marketing this way if you respect what's given. Make steps in a truthful and deep understanding of the preferences and wants of your consumer audience and learn who's paying attention and using your brand. Appealing and knowing exactly who to target will flourish your company, and none of your marketing time or budget will be going to waste. Using insight-driven marketing puts you ahead of your competitors because you know exactly who you're talking to and reaching. You are cutting out the middleman to get directly to who wants to see and be apart of your brand. 

• Live Video 

Study shows that consumers spend three times longer watching live video than pre-recorded video. There is so much honesty, connection, relatability, and a real peek into the day to day life in a live video that appeals to the consumer. We are sure that you've noticed on Facebook and Instagram that live video has become very popular. Perhaps you've even seen your competition and fellow business owners using it frequently. Studies show that the live video industry could be worth over $70 billion by next year. No matter what way you look at it, video is the most popular way for your consumers to learn about your products. Video is great, but what makes live video so exciting is that watchers (on any platform) feel like that are apart of the moment. It's exciting! They can comment and interact with you then and there, and feel like they can influence the content. They aren't just being told about it. When they're just being told something and information is shoved down their throats, it becomes so much easier for them to just scroll past. Live video excites people. You might give info, news, tips, and deals you won't post or mention anywhere else in these live videos. It gives people a little something to look forward to and get excited about. You can build that excitement by mentioning a live video feed ahead of time and make it an event people want to be apart of. Make it exciting for you and your audience. Make it unique. This trend is a wonderful free way to show off your brand at a very real and relatable level. 

We hope you are just as excited as we are about these trends. These are just three of the most popular that you will be seeing. Remember to continue your research and to keep learning. The more you can learn, connect to your audience, and understand who you're targeting, you'll be more ahead of the game than you'd expect. Time to hop on board, everyone! Thanks for joining us for another exciting blog. Until next time, stay caffeinated and loving Summerville!