Here’s What Marketing Looks Like in 2021
As 2020 (thankfully) closes, it’s time to take a look at how COVID has affected our marketing abilities. The pandemic accelerated some marketing tactics into overdrive, while suppressing others.
Here is a list of 4 marketing trends to watch in 2021.
Digital Is Up
The events of 2020 have created a greater demand for digital marketing. While remote work and technological advances continue, many firms are adapting a ‘digital-first’ mindset for their marketing and sales strategies.
This transformation is referred to as digital acceleration. While professional marketers have been using some of these digital strategies, these tools will be the mainstay in the years ahead.
Here are a few examples of what this acceleration will look like:
- Video
Our need to connect with clients while working remotely has forced us to find alternatives that mimic in-person engagement: getting a ‘sense’ of someone, watching their reactions and mannerisms – making a human connection.
Video dominates. According to Cisco, online videos will make up more than 82% of all consumer internet traffic—15 times higher than it was in 2017.
It’s no surprise – buyers respond well to videos at every stage of the buyer’s journey. Businesses are noticing and should begin to invest in more content-heavy videos, such as explainer and product videos, as well as service demonstrations, client success stories, vlogs (video blogs), team introductions and more.
- Virtual events
While we are all craving the day we can return to in-person events, conferences and tradeshows, the virtual events that replaced them this past year are here to stay.
As such, businesses will need to invest in greater levels of TV production to make that experience interesting, engaging, and profitable.
- Marketing automation and email marketing
In the era of COVID, marketing automation is predicted to have a strong presence in 2021.
Given automation’s advancing ability to personalize communication without the need for human involvement, this tool, along with email marketing, will become even more dominant than before.
- AI-Powered Marketing
This is probably one of the most exciting opportunities to happen to the marketing industry since digital tools came into use. Because of its ability to predict behavior and identify trends more precisely, artificial intelligence’s (AI) potential for marketing is enormous. Businesses can now use AI to optimize campaigns, accelerate pipelines and improve close rates.
These are just a few of the formidable trends that lie ahead in 2021. The smart business leader will be able use these tools and tactics to gain market share. If you want to learn more about how these and other trends can increase your business opportunities, contact us today.
