It is finally time to say goodbye to 2020, and thank goodness for that! With the whole world turned upside down by a global pandemic it’s about time we ring in a new year. As we settled into our new reality this past year so many businesses, big and small, had to adapt to these changing times. We are here to tell you that many of these new adaptations are here to stay.
So then comes the question, what can businesses and marketers expect for 2021? Well for that we have created a list of 5 digital marketing trends you can expect for 2021.
1. Consumers Want You to Tell Them What to Buy
You may be wondering, isn’t that what marketers already do? Well no, not in this sense. What we mean is that consumers want to buy from brands that have algorithms that actively track their previous purchases so that they can help them to determine what to buy next. Consumers want you to tell them what to buy and when to buy it. This is all based on information that the consumer has willingly and consciously provided.
2. Inclusive Advertising
Today consumers value brands that accurately represent diversity and identity. One study found that 29% of consumers take their business to other brands if they feel that diversity is not represented by the brand. This sort of diversity and inclusivity can be reflected in race, sexualities, religion, body type, and more.
3. Stop Trying to Use All Social Media Platforms
Social media as many of us know quickly becomes a full-time job. And with new platforms and trends constantly popping up it is impossible to stay relevant on all of these channels. So a shift is beginning to happen. Companies are reducing the number of social media platforms that they are on, down to only the most relevant ones. This action enables them to focus their resources, better engage with their consumers, stay on top of trends, and ahead of the competition.
4. Virtual Events and Experiences
2020 was the year of virtual interactions. People both in casual and business settings spent more time online than ever before. Many businesses turned to virtual events and experiences as a way to connect with their audiences, and boy did they work!
Companies that took on creating virtual events and experiences for their customers were able to connect with their audience in non-traditional ways. This then fed into them diversifying their social media activity, better connecting with engaged users, and reaching a broader audience. As well, new additions to social media platforms like the Shop feature on Facebook and Instagram provided avenues for these companies to enable their consumers to interact with their brand.
Live Virtual Events
To tag on to our last marketing trend we should let you know about the importance of Live Virtual events. Many companies in 2020 while trying to navigate our new world made the mistake of choosing to broadcast their events instead of holding them live. While this may seem like a good idea as it reduces the room for technical errors it was actually found that people want to be able to interact and ask questions in real-time. They want the next best thing to an in-person event!
Virtual Events are Here to Stay
While many of us may have suspected this, it is important that we know why virtual events are going to stay. In short virtual events can reach new audiences, have higher attendance rates for lower costs, and therein have a higher ROI. The virtual realm enables businesses to reach people all around the world while helping to decrease attendance barriers such as transportation costs, travel restrictions, and visa issues.
5. Broadcasting Sustainable Practices
Environmentalism for years now has been a popular trend for many businesses and consumers. However, as our world begins to change there has been a significant popularity boost for businesses that are sustainable and eco-friendly. Sustainable practices have become an even larger factor in purchase behaviors, especially among younger demographics, than ever before. One study found that 81% of consumers felt very strongly that businesses should do their part in helping the environment. Now more than ever, companies will strongly benefit from actively broadcasting their sustainable practices.
Seeing the way 2020 went, and with 2021 just around the corner, it is important that you and your business are prepared for whatever comes next. Incorporating adaptability and flexibility into your business practices as well as any of these 5 digital marketing trends will go a long way. Our team at Evolution Business Marketing & Communications works to help businesses maneuver the ever-changing digital world. For assistance with your marketing strategies call us today at 1-250-740-1844.
