As 2020 has come to a close, everyone is curious to know what the new year will bring. 2020 was a difficult year and we faced many challenges due to the pandemic and the issues that arise such as losing jobs, furloughs, working from home, home-schooling, losing love ones, businesses closing and canceling monumental celebrations just to name a few; along with protest surrounding social justice issues. 2020 was indeed a challenge, but we have a lot to look forward to in 2021.
Below are what marketers can look forward to in 2021 in Digital Marketing, Content Marketing, Events Marketing and Customer Experience:
Content Marketing in 2021 – User Generated Content
When it comes to Content Marketing, in 2021 we can look forward to seeing more User-Generated Content. Consumers look to others who have already experienced a product and/ or service to decide on purchasing. Customer reviews and word of mouth referrals from family, friends and coworkers are great marketing tools that can either make or break your brand. As a marketer, it can also be a great tool in brand awareness and lead generation. If you are not already using user generated content as a form of content marketing, then use your product reviews as testimonials on your website. Also, ask your audience to upload pictures and videos using your product on their social media and motivate your customers to refer a friend in order to keep your brand at the center of attention. In 2021, we can look forward to seeing companies use more of the user generated content as a part of their content marketing strategy.
Digital Marketing in 2021 – Storytelling using Video
There is a lot to look forward to in Digital Marketing and Storytelling is one of them. Storytelling has been known to aide in customers retaining the message and increasing engagement. As a result, many marketers are using storytelling in video to connect with their audiences. People love to hear a story that inspire or resonates with them. They want to be educated, inspired, and even humored and storytelling using video is a great way to get your message across as long as it is relatable to your brand, relevant to your audience and presented well. Look forward to seeing storytelling using video on social media Instagram and Facebook Stories, through advertising and also on companies’ websites.
Social Media in 2021 – As a Marketing Tool
Social Media is not going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, Social Media usage as a Marketing platform may increase in 2021. According to Yahoo.com, “Social platforms like Instagram and Facebook are common sources of brand discovery and this is expected to continue into 2021, with new data showing that retail marketing spend on social is likely to increase next year.” Most companies are learning that NOT using social media means they are missing out in reaching audiences and sales revenue. With an increase in advertising on social media there are great opportunities for brands to use these platforms to increase their sales. In 2021, look forward to companies increasing their social media budgets and social media strategies to drive success.
Customer Experience in 2021 – Personalization
Customers want to have a great experience from the first time they encounter your brand and continuously. As a result, its important to make sure they have a great customer experience and many brands are making sure they continue to innovate and provide that to their customers. In 2021, expect an increase in marketers trying to improve the customer experience through customization and personalization of customers’ needs through tailoring and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Customers should see more personalized email and communication preferences. As technology continues to expand, more companies will start to use AI as a better way to interact with their audience.
Events Marketing in 2021 – Virtual Events
Now that we all are getting more accustomed to working remotely, we can surely look forward to seeing more conferences and networking events being held virtually. 2020 is the year we found out that conferences can be held virtually and still be successful. As the pandemic continues into 2021, companies will most likely continue to follow safety precautions and conduct events online. A lot of marketers will now find innovative ways to hold conferences and tradeshows online while still being able to deliver the same product messages to their audience. There may also be an increase in virtual career fairs and conducting interviews online as well.
Author: Felecia Anson
