Brands are always on the hunt for new ways to bolster web presence, which is why the demand for solid digital marketing strategies is so high among business owners. But keeping up online means more than implementing what’s already being done, it means staying ahead of the curve as well. Keeping tabs on emerging trends is the best way to keep your marketing campaigns successful, and your brand top of mind.
Here we take a look at some digital marketing trends you’ll want to keep an eye on as we approach 2016:
1. App development
You may have already seen apps appearing in mobile searches, and Google’s continuing search complexity will see apps garner significant visibility advantages for owners in 2016. Start to look for dedicated apps to replace mobile-optimized sites in the near future. An app serves all the same roles of a mobile site, but does so in a more intuitive and user centric way. Looking at some notable sites, such as EBay and Amazon, you’ll find that opting for a dedicated app is already becoming a standard. Look for others to start doing the same.
2. Wearable tech
As 2015 comes to a close, don’t be surprised to see even more people with smart tech adorning their body. 2016 could likely mark the shift from early adoption into mainstream for such devices, meaning a new channel of accessibility for digital marketers. From watches, hats, pants, shoes, and even shirts, everything we wear will soon be able to connect and communicate with the web. Local marketers will have a ton of possibilities as engagement options become only a matter of what’s touching your skin.
3. New and niche social platforms
Any savvy digital marketer knows that you need to be where your audience is, and right now that means the newest social platforms. With the old guard (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) already saturated, brands are starting to flock to upstarts such as Snapchat, Periscope, and Instagram for visibility. The promise of instant, real-time connections has made these platforms exciting for marketers as they search for new ways to keep audiences active. These more so niche platforms also offer audiences that are more engaged and passionate; traits marketers crave. Judging by Snapchat’s recent introduction of their brand-centric “Discover” section, these new channels will continue to be a focus going into 2016.
4. Predictive Analytics
Big data has been a talking point since late 2014, but digital marketers are now finding impressive ways to utilize all the data they collect from day to day engagement. By using data to highlight trends and patterns, marketers are able to setup campaigns based on probable outcome, a.k.a predictive analytics. This means marketers are now able to use data to engage with prospects in a way that’s relevant on an individual level (i.e. displaying ads for products you’ve already been researching). That means less risk and more reward. Expect to see brands invest more into their digital marketing campaigns as their leading strategy moving forward.
5. Interactive Content
If “content” is the word of the year for digital marketing, then “engagement” is certainly the runner up. Simply getting your audience to show up is half the battle in an increasingly noisy world of content. The key to creating a lasting impression now relies on content that engages, and interactive content has become a key tactic in that battle. Tools such as animated presentations or real-time polls are great ways to both entertain and encourage social sharing. Moving forward you can expect to see less traditional blog posts or press releases and more interactive quizzes or diagrams.
Of course when it comes to marketing trends, this is just the tip of the iceberg. You can be sure 2016 will bring about plenty of opportunity for digital marketers to take on new tactics that shift the status quo.
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