2020 has been a year full of rollercoaster rides for everyone from a professional to the business class across sectors. The ongoing pandemic has upended how businesses operate. From a global crisis to an economic recession, the repercussions have been drastic leading to many operations shutting down temporarily or even permanently with sectors unable to adapt. To stay afloat in such a situation, businesses began expanding their digital footprint and marketing through online channels i.e. digital marketing.
Digital marketing has become a boon for every business even in these uncertain times; from promoting brands virtually, implementing different tools to building strategies for optimal growth, it aided businesses to continue their service in 2020. India is the second-most densely populated country in the world is expected to have 469 million users of mobile phones by the end of 2021 recategorizing mobiles as a necessity and not a luxury. When we talk about digital marketing in India, the future holds only an increase in demand and scope for the industry. This year forced the masses to enter the virtual world, may it be shopping or building a business, or social networking. It is important for any marketer to leverage this opportunity and work on their online marketing tactics to generate leads in a robust manner.
The COVID 19 era has completely changed the way businesses used to function and shaped new marketing structures. As a dynamic digital arena, implementing new ideas and perspectives has become crucial to deliver desired results; which can’t be picked from their old marketing playbook with the changing consumer behavior and consumption pattern. Creating a large scope and expanding horizons for existing businesses, digital marketing is also available for small businesses who want to reach a large customer base and capture an audience online. Below are a few digital marketing trends that the industry would foresee in the coming years:
Video Marketing:
Videos have become an increasingly popular way of content consumption. From
storytelling, entertaining to engaging with the customers, effective video
content does it all for a brand. According to marketing statistics, 56% of online customers tend to purchase the product after viewing a video demonstration of that product.
With a smartphone, consumers can access online video anytime, anywhere. The same is not the case with traditional marketing. With video, you can reach your audience wherever and can even be a cost-effective tool if done tactfully. Studies suggest that videos allow a brand to make a direct appeal to its customers with human connection with high EQ quotient compared to written communication.
Influencer Marketing:
Influencer marketing is one of the quickest ways to build your brand’s presence online and raise awareness amongst your targeted group. When the audience trusts the influencer and pays deeper attention to the message, the odds of them responding positively are higher as they build trust and credibility with their fans.
One of the greatest benefits of influencer marketing is that it best fits for any size of business as it not only increases your reach but also boosts your brand awareness.
Artificial Intelligence:
AI will become a favored trend and a new norm for a marketing strategy in the coming year, the main reason being its accurate ability to analyze consumer behavior and lead to a better, more interactive, and personalized experience. One of the recent examples that AI has been offering today is the use of Chatbots. When a visitor lands on a website, a chatbot pops up so for a guided experience. It simulates a real interaction with users via a chat interface. In other words, a chatbot is a service that can have a conversation with you just like a human being to increase engagement and a sense of personalized service.
Mobile Marketing:
With mobile marketing you can reach your audience anytime anywhere and it enhances the potential for things to “go viral.”
The number of mobile users has multiplied fourfold. It is safe to say mobile has become a necessity over luxury in today’s time. Around 61% percent of users discover a new product while surfing online. Thus, creating content and websites with a mobile-friendly interface so that the audience can discover your campaign, ads, videos allowing them to engage with the brand on a regular basis. With mobile marketing, you can easily track user responses and can accordingly use your resources.
With a continuous changing landscape, it is safe to say that digital marketing trends emerge time and again. Not only adapting these trends, but also anticipating and implementing them in advance will give you an edge over your competitors.
This Article is Authored by Jay Rathod, Founder, Koffeetech Communications
