What are the top marketing trends for 2021?

As businesses try to adapt to the new normal brought about by the pandemic, the marketing industry is evolving too. With consumer behavior and preferences changing rapidly, staying up-to-date with new marketing trends is more crucial than ever. As we approach 2021, let’s dive deep and explore the top marketing trends that can help your business thrive in the year ahead.

1. Personalization is Key

Personalization has been and remains one of the top marketing trends for years. When you personalize the customer experience, you make them feel special and important. With the rise of technology and data analytics, businesses can now have a much deeper understanding of their customers.

According to Epsilon’s research, 80% of customers are more likely to do business with a company that offers personalized experiences. Personalization can include targeted email marketing campaigns, personalized product recommendations, customized landing pages, and personalized offers.

Personalization can result in more significant revenue, as customers who have personalized experiences buy more than those who don’t. In a recent study by Epsilon again, 63% of consumers said they would buy more frequently from a company that personalizes their experience.

2. Real-time Content Marketing

The world of marketing moves fast, and the only way to keep up is to engage with customers in real-time. With the rise of social media and other digital channels, businesses can now instantly interact with their customers. Real-time marketing is about creating content that resonates with customers at the right time.

Creating real-time content can include monitoring social media for trends and creating content that jumps on those trends. Brands can also create live content, such as live videos or webinars. Be sure to use real-time marketing to provide customers with up-to-date information about products or changes in services.

Real-time content needs to be precisely that, so it is always critical to have a plan in place and a team ready to move quickly.

3. Video Marketing

Video has become one of the most engaging forms of content, and it is only going to grow in popularity in 2021. With more people spending time online, video consumption has skyrocketed, and that includes video marketing.

According to Wyzowl’s 2020 Video Marketing Statistics, 84% of people say that they’ve been convinced to buy a product or service by watching a brand’s video. Video marketing can include product demos, explainer videos, or customer testimonials. By creating great video content, brands can increase engagement, drive sales, and drive brand awareness.

4. Voice Search and Voice Optimization

Voice search already accounts for a significant portion of search traffic. With the rise of virtual assistants like Alexa and Google Home, voice search is only going to grow in popularity. Brands need to start optimizing their content for voice search if they want to stay ahead of the game.

Optimizing for voice search means using conversational phrases, using long-tail keywords, and answering common questions. Brands can also create content in formats that are native to voice, such as podcasts or audio guides.

With more people using their phones for voice search, it hits businesses hard as they have to appear on the first page of results for maximum visibility. The branding process is a crucial aspect of optimizing content for voice search. As customers ask for a brand or product, the brands that rank high on search engines will have a better opportunity to convert their customer search to a sale.

5. Chatbots and AI-powered Customer Service

Chatbots and AI-powered customer service are fast becoming a staple of modern marketing. Chatbots can save businesses time and money by answering customer questions and automating sales. According to Business Insider, chatbots are expected to power 85% of customer service by 2025.

Through chatbots, brands can offer 24/7 customer service at a relatively low cost. Chatbots can also help customers find the information they need, recommend products, and even book appointments. Chatbots are using AI technology to analyze customer data digitally and provide valuable insights that help businesses optimize their marketing strategies.

6. Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing has been around for a while, but it is going to be as important as ever in 2021. Word-of-mouth customer recommendations have always been one of the most potent ways to build brand awareness and customer loyalty. Influencer marketing is a great way to leverage that by partnering with someone who has a large following.

According to a study by Mediakix, 80% of consumers made a purchase after seeing an influencer’s recommendation. Influencer marketing is about creating partnerships with influencers who have a large following and a great reputation. An influencer’s endorsement can help build brand reputation, drive traffic, and increase sales.

7. Social Media Shopping

Social media is becoming more than a platform for advertising; it is also fast becoming a shopping platform. As social media provides a convenient and familiar platform, customers can now quickly and easily shop through their preferred social media app. Brands need to be where the consumers are, and with many customers spending time entertaining themselves and staying informed through social media, it’s an opportunity for businesses to go where the consumers are.

With features like Instagram Shopping and Facebook Shops, businesses can create virtual storefronts that make it easy for customers to buy their products directly from social media.

Conclusion

In conclusion, staying current on the latest developments in marketing trends is one of the best ways to ensure success in your business in 2021. Whether it’s personalization, real-time marketing, video marketing, voice search, chatbots, influencer marketing, or social media shopping, incorporating these trends into your marketing strategy will help your business to grow and thrive. It is vital to keep up with these trends, and with the right approach and execution, your business can hit the ground running and stay ahead for the upcoming years.