7 Digital Marketing Trends to Watch in 2021

As a business owner, you have to be willing to change with the times if you want to stay relevant in an ultra-competitive digital marketplace. 

As part of our mission to help small and medium-sized businesses do just that, we have created this guide. Below, we’ll outline 7 digital marketing trends that are poised to continue well into 2021 and beyond.

1.   Augmented Reality and Consumer Engagement

In recent years, augmented reality devices like the Oculus Rift have surged in popularity. Now owned by Facebook, this AR device and similar products are primed to play a larger role in digital marketing.

While you shouldn’t go out and buy stock in this company just yet, it is important to be aware of the long-term implications of technology like this. You may need to optimize future content so that it is compatible with these mediums. 

2.   Virtual Events and Live Interaction

Virtual events became commonplace during the turbulent events of 2020. However, many of these events were one-sided affairs that offered minimal consumer interaction.

Fortunately, Zoom and other popular virtual meeting software companies are changing that. While there is an inherent risk to allowing consumers to interact with your virtual events, the upside is huge. 

If you plan to incorporate virtual events into your marketing campaigns, make sure to include opportunities for live interaction. You should also make live content available for viewing after your event.

3.   Targeted Social Campaigns

It seems like a new social media platform pops up every single month. This makes it nearly impossible to stay relevant on every single social media channel. However, you must maintain a strong online presence on social media if you want to stay connected with consumers.

In order to navigate the overabundance of social platforms, many companies are taking a targeted approach to social media. They are focusing their efforts on one or two social platforms and analyzing key performance metrics to make data-driven decisions. 

For instance, if 60% of your leads are generated from Facebook, then you should commit more resources to that platform.

4.   Digital Events

Even if you decide to minimize live interactions with your virtual presentations, consider hosting more digital events overall. This trend caught on in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many businesses are finding that virtual events are more cost-effective than traditional ones and can be organized rather quickly.

5.   A Custom Consumer Experience

Despite the fact that most sales occur digitally, consumers still want a custom purchasing experience. The most effective websites curate content by asking questions and analyzing consumer data. 

Consumers want to be presented with products that suit their unique needs based on past purchase data. Consider the ways that you can make this possible through your advertising and on your website.

6.   Purchases Made Directly from Social Platforms

Social media is becoming increasingly integrated into marketing campaigns. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are making it all too easy for consumers to purchase products without ever leaving the site. That is why companies must have a strong social media presence in 2021 and going forward.

7.   Transitioning Away from Brick-and-Mortar Stores

The recent transition towards virtual event hosting and sales may become permanent fixtures for many businesses. It is easier to plan virtual events and far more cost-effective. In addition, it is easy to guide consumers all the way through the sales funnel using digital media.  

As an added bonus, businesses can eliminate costs that are associated with maintaining a physical storefront when they turn to digital marketing solutions.

Capitalize on These Trends with a Digital Strategy Company

If you want to leverage these trends and have a dynamic 2021, turn to a digital strategy company like Insights ABM. An innovative digital strategy company will provide you with the tools necessary to implement these trends into your marketing campaigns, enhancing your ROI.

Don’t miss out on an exciting opportunity to grow your business and connect with consumers. By working with a professional firm, you can benefit from the skill and experience of a team that stays on top of the trends in digital marketing, and stay a step ahead of the competition.