2016 was a great year for online marketing, but the industry never slows down. 5 months into 2017 and we have seen numerous marketing trends that seem promising. Let’s look at what marketing actually looks like in 2017:
There’s readable content and then there’s interactive content. The latter seems to be rocketing in popularity and examples include BuzzFeed quizzes and other assessments that urge the reader to actively participate rather than passively consume. Interactive content can include surveys, polls, brackets, contests, and infographics.
There’s nothing more effective than an advertisement when it comes to selling your product, i.e. a famous media personality speaking in favor of your product to his or her followers and fans. This is influencer marketing and it is currently on the rise in 2017, as people tend to trust suggestions given by people who they think of as their leaders. The right influencers inaugurate credibility via each social media ad or post. When these people collaborate with brands, it is because they really believe in them, and try to pass on that trust to their customers.
Augmented reality is capable of driving real business outcomes, and this is exactly why it has become a viable option for marketers who are looking to bring the online world into the real world.
People’s attention span is shrinking at a rapid speed, and that is why sites like Snapchat are faring so well with content that disappears after a certain period. This is a major attraction for Generation Z, and many businesses are incorporating short-term content into their content strategy.
Mobile is the future. Internet traffic is now diverting towards mobile devices as compared to desktops. If your business is not providing relevant content, online experience and ads to a mobile user, you are missing a lot. Making your content mobile-friendly is not just about “optimizing”, but also ensuring that the content is incorporated with the lifestyle of a user on the go.
Customization means portioning your content in a way that it reaches different segments of your target audience based on their habits and preferences. The most common method of this strategy is via lists, where different content is sent to different types of consumers based on their lifestyles. In a world where there is too much content and little time, customization is a deal breaker for businesses that are seeking the attention of their customers.
Followers, viewers and consumers are savvier than ever. They are aware of the tricks advertisers’ use, and it is getting harder to retain their trust and attention. Local advertising means incorporating your advertising efforts into content that offers value to viewers and readers already. Find ways to add your offerings and products in a larger narrative, rather than just bombarding people with ads.
