Article Written by Katina Jaye Beveridge, ASBAS Advisor, Western Sydney Business Centre.
A new year, a new business. This New Year means saying goodbye to all the negative vibes of 2020 and hello to a year of growth. If there’s one positive that came out of our experience last year, would be the transition of most businesses to digital marketing, albeit forced.
As the year begins, it doesn’t mean that we’ll be going back to pre-COVID days, our in our new normal. Although this sounds cliché, last year transformed how people shop for products and services, permanently. It also means that digital marketing will remain the marketing technique that businesses must rely on moving forward.
Here are some trends to watch out for in 2021:
1. Non-linear customer journeys will be prevalent.
While some businesses are still stuck deciding which platform to use or what channel to market to, people are already shopping online and engaging with businesses via social media. Consumers will rely more on digital platforms to explore brands, buy products, and connect with businesses.
2. Marketing automation will be a must.
As businesses use more software, not just for marketing but for other processes as well, the demand for automation tools will increase. These tools can help businesses streamline the marketing processes and improve your campaigns.
3. Mobile search experience will be key to higher SERP rankings.
Google has announced that mobile optimization is a critical ranking signal, but only 25% of businesses are investing in it. As businesses compete for digital space, the page loading time and mobile-friendliness of your website will have a huge impact on your marketing.
4. Shoppable posts will merge social and e-commerce into one.
You’ve probably seen Instagram posts that you can click directly to order. Aside from IG, Facebook, Pinterest, and other social platforms are following the trend. From browse to buy, stoppable posts makes it easier and quicker for consumers to shop.
5. AI Chatbots will improve customer service.
Just like automation tools, AI technology will also level up your customer service. Aside from answering FQAs, these bots can also understand the customer’s search intent and answer questions based on the previous purchases or past conversations.
Getting 2021 Started on the Right Track
Familiarising yourself and incorporating these digital marketing trends into your marketing campaign can help your business do better in 2021.
