Digital marketing is an ever evolving animal. Staying ahead of the technology curve can be vital to your online success.
-Our generation is a generation of change. The digital landscape is changing at a rapid pace and there are constantly new ways for us to take advantage of new, evolving technologies to better our marketing efforts.
1. Visual Content
Almost every digital channel is so saturated with content it is overloading users. So how do we break our message through in a collage of information? It's all about the visuals. People need clear and concise dissemination of information. Visuals offer information the brain can process quickly and subconsciously cause what I like to call 'scroll stoppage'. Scroll Stoppage happens when something catches the eye of a user causing them to stop scrolling through the barrage of information supplied by the social media algorithms.
Catchy logos, photos, videos, infographics, animations and website design can set the stage for brand identity and positive brand sentiment. Visuals are one of the most effective and easy ways to beef up your digital media strategy. implementing this trend can happen today and result in huge value to your company.
2. Interactive Content
A few years back while working with a company in the USA I was introduced to the immense possibilities of using interactive content for businesses. Previously I had been exposed to using flash to allow customers of car companies for example to modify a specific model to their specifications but I never imagined what other applications interactive content could utilize. When in the US, the non-profit company had used interactive online gaming to help educate children around the world on social issues. Allowing kids to play an entertaining game while teaching them life values was not only an exciting and educational tool for the young users but also a wealth of information to the company. By tracking the users unique decisions made during their gaming experience gave insight into future message delivery and data driven organizational changes. It was one of the most exciting technological marketing strategies I have ever been involved in.
Of course Interactive content doesn't have to be as complex as this organization was going but can be used in a variety of easy and beneficial ways. Using quizzes and polls, contests, voting, calculators, assessments and even animated infographics can be implemented in a simple manner with loads of benefits to the creator. Most importantly, interactive content invites users into an intimate experience with the brand. by enhancing experience they are turning one time users into brand evangelists.
3. Expiring Content
Expiring content is a unique trend that has moved over digital and social media marketing like a tidal wave. What started as a trend for a young demographic of snapchat users has moved across channels giving marketers a fantastic tool when offering limited time products or services. Content is shared for a limited window of time before it disappears into the night and offers/content is gone forever. Users viewing this content experience increased excitement and tend to check in on brands social channels more often in order to catch this content before it is gone. Just think of the possibilities when it comes to flash sales!
4. Live Video / Streaming
Online videos now accounts for over 50% of mobile usage and is showing no signs of slowing down. This, similar to visual content, has the power to connect with viewers through a variety of senses. Video offers a much higher amount of information, feelings, thoughts, and responses from the viewer within a fraction of the time.
Brands are now 'going live' through a variety of social channels now offering live video streaming. Hosting webinars, sharing new products, or giving viewers the chance to be apart of a company event opens the possibilities of connecting to costumers on a humanistic level. Another huge advantage to live video is the opportunity for real time interaction. This interaction in real time give brands the ability to operate ongoing focus groups without all the traditional costs.
Many of my clients have implemented this trend into their digital marketing strategy with huge payoffs. From live streaming funerals, to hosting non profit fundraising events, 'going live' goes above and beyond for the customer while supplying business with qualitative data leading to data driven business decisions with an impressive impact on ROI.
5. In-Store Applications
In the retail space, one constant is the need for retailers to find new ways to interact with their customers. Many large retail brands have started using advanced technology to connect to shoppers on a level never imagined possible. This technology opens the door to blending physical marketing of the past with digital marketing of the future.
Beacon technology is the leading force behind the in-store application strategy. Over one million beacons, which act as physical landmarks, are expected to be installed in the United States this year alone opening the door for retail brands to send signals to mobile devices as they enter the store. Shoppers can scan products to read reviews, check up on stock, or receive special offers right to their mobile. Push notifications are sent to shoppers to share special deals and offers on items throughout the store and can be hit with new messages any time the visit a location.
Ultimately, the only way to move forward and take advantage of ever evolving technology is to put it to work. The biggest barrier for businesses to establish a valuable connection with customers on new levels is time and resources. Crown North Marketing offers many services to help alleviate the constraints many small to medium sized business come into contact with when looking to establish digital marketing strategies. To learn how your business can start to gain new business by implementing a solidified digital marketing strategy taking advantage of these 5 digital trends. Contact us today for your no-obligation consultation.
1. Visual Content
Almost every digital channel is so saturated with content it is overloading users. So how do we break our message through in a collage of information? It's all about the visuals. People need clear and concise dissemination of information. Visuals offer information the brain can process quickly and subconsciously cause what I like to call 'scroll stoppage'. Scroll Stoppage happens when something catches the eye of a user causing them to stop scrolling through the barrage of information supplied by the social media algorithms.
Catchy logos, photos, videos, infographics, animations and website design can set the stage for brand identity and positive brand sentiment. Visuals are one of the most effective and easy ways to beef up your digital media strategy. implementing this trend can happen today and result in huge value to your company.
2. Interactive Content
A few years back while working with a company in the USA I was introduced to the immense possibilities of using interactive content for businesses. Previously I had been exposed to using flash to allow customers of car companies for example to modify a specific model to their specifications but I never imagined what other applications interactive content could utilize. When in the US, the non-profit company had used interactive online gaming to help educate children around the world on social issues. Allowing kids to play an entertaining game while teaching them life values was not only an exciting and educational tool for the young users but also a wealth of information to the company. By tracking the users unique decisions made during their gaming experience gave insight into future message delivery and data driven organizational changes. It was one of the most exciting technological marketing strategies I have ever been involved in.
Of course Interactive content doesn't have to be as complex as this organization was going but can be used in a variety of easy and beneficial ways. Using quizzes and polls, contests, voting, calculators, assessments and even animated infographics can be implemented in a simple manner with loads of benefits to the creator. Most importantly, interactive content invites users into an intimate experience with the brand. by enhancing experience they are turning one time users into brand evangelists.
3. Expiring Content
Expiring content is a unique trend that has moved over digital and social media marketing like a tidal wave. What started as a trend for a young demographic of snapchat users has moved across channels giving marketers a fantastic tool when offering limited time products or services. Content is shared for a limited window of time before it disappears into the night and offers/content is gone forever. Users viewing this content experience increased excitement and tend to check in on brands social channels more often in order to catch this content before it is gone. Just think of the possibilities when it comes to flash sales!
4. Live Video / Streaming
Online videos now accounts for over 50% of mobile usage and is showing no signs of slowing down. This, similar to visual content, has the power to connect with viewers through a variety of senses. Video offers a much higher amount of information, feelings, thoughts, and responses from the viewer within a fraction of the time.
Brands are now 'going live' through a variety of social channels now offering live video streaming. Hosting webinars, sharing new products, or giving viewers the chance to be apart of a company event opens the possibilities of connecting to costumers on a humanistic level. Another huge advantage to live video is the opportunity for real time interaction. This interaction in real time give brands the ability to operate ongoing focus groups without all the traditional costs.
Many of my clients have implemented this trend into their digital marketing strategy with huge payoffs. From live streaming funerals, to hosting non profit fundraising events, 'going live' goes above and beyond for the customer while supplying business with qualitative data leading to data driven business decisions with an impressive impact on ROI.
5. In-Store Applications
In the retail space, one constant is the need for retailers to find new ways to interact with their customers. Many large retail brands have started using advanced technology to connect to shoppers on a level never imagined possible. This technology opens the door to blending physical marketing of the past with digital marketing of the future.
Beacon technology is the leading force behind the in-store application strategy. Over one million beacons, which act as physical landmarks, are expected to be installed in the United States this year alone opening the door for retail brands to send signals to mobile devices as they enter the store. Shoppers can scan products to read reviews, check up on stock, or receive special offers right to their mobile. Push notifications are sent to shoppers to share special deals and offers on items throughout the store and can be hit with new messages any time the visit a location.
Ultimately, the only way to move forward and take advantage of ever evolving technology is to put it to work. The biggest barrier for businesses to establish a valuable connection with customers on new levels is time and resources. Crown North Marketing offers many services to help alleviate the constraints many small to medium sized business come into contact with when looking to establish digital marketing strategies. To learn how your business can start to gain new business by implementing a solidified digital marketing strategy taking advantage of these 5 digital trends. Contact us today for your no-obligation consultation.