Digital marketing trends are constantly shifting with the ebbs and flow of the seasonal tides, but 2020 through many business owners for a loop. With 2021 just around the corner, Outreach Digital Marketing believes all advertisers should be prepared to take on the online advertising world head-on.
For our firm, supporting our clients has always meant providing you with the information and tools you need to get ahead. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the top digital marketing trends to watch for in 2021.
Not Available? No Problem – Get a Chatbot
One digital marketing trend for the new year is automation. Many businesses are increasing automation across the board. This is particularly helpful with communications and customer engagement. The modern consumer is informed and engaged with the companies they support, which means your business should be prepared to engage with them. Of course, you can’t be everywhere at once, which is why a chatbot makes a great asset to your customer communication portal.
Chatbots work via automation templates, designed to answer or ask the questions your business needs to get back to your customers and give them the information and support they want. For example, if a customer wants to make a purchase after hours, but is confused as to whether the package will arrive in time for a special occasion, your chatbot can give them general information, and forward an e-mail to you, so you can respond in person when you are available. This gives your customer an immediate reply, as well as access to a more detailed response later.
Increase Accessibility
Voice search is no longer a futuristic device, but a modern search engine tool. Many men and women use voice search, voice to text, and other voice features throughout their day to save time and optimize their mobile tools. To make your website and other online advertising techniques more accessible is to increase user numbers, traffic, and potential for ROI.
Accessibility to your site not only improves the user experience for those who have trouble typing with their fingers but improves the frequency of use for those who are busy with their hands throughout the day. Voice search lends new meaning to the term, “hands-free” and provides an option for drivers (in states and provinces which allow it), and hands-on employees, to search and chat when they’re busy.
Take Advantage of User-Generated Content
User-generated content, or UGC, is content created by consumers. This content can be reused and shared from your business profile to encourage communication and interaction from your customers. Consumers love being involved with the businesses and products they love. Using UGC opens a door to this connection and makes it easier than ever before to let your customers in on the action.
UGC can be anything from a comical meme to a YouTube video to an infographic. As long as the content is relevant to your brand, business, products or service, and is something your customers will find interesting, it is fair game.
Become an Activist
Brand activism increased drastically in 2020 and researchers have concluded that 2021 will see even more of this branded content. Brand activism is taking a stand for or against something and using your brand as a catalyst. For example, companies who sell bottled water might become brand activists by marketing their water in new biodegradable containers. Similarly, a shoe company might become a brand activist by opting out of all animal products and producing only vegan-friendly footwear.
Your form of activism is completely up to you. Remember that the statement you make will affect the consumers who shop with you. So, your SEO, web design and online advertising tactics should be aimed toward a theme and values which you and your shoppers can get behind.
Contact an Online Marketing Agency for More Tips
This upcoming year will provide an entirely new playing field for online digital marketers. 2020 has seen many changes, with many more to come in 2021. Get ahead of competitors early by planning your SEO strategy around the latest digital marketing trends of the new year.
Is your business looking to expand its SEO and online advertising strategy in 2021? Working with an experienced online marketing agency will give you the edge to get ahead and optimize traffic and ROI no matter what 2021 brings. Call us today for a marketing plan that will set you up for success in the new year.