The idea that the pandemic had a significant effect on small businesses around the world should come as no surprise. But it might surprise you to learn just how profoundly the pandemic has changed the marketing industry, especially when it comes to Digital Marketing.
When stay-at-home orders went into place, the world turned to online entertainment and shopping as a means of escape, and many small business owners were forced to pivot toward online sales to stay afloat. For example, more than half of small business owners in the United States report they have increased online interactions with clients since the pandemic. Remote relationships became the norm and are still affecting this new way we’re learning to do business.
Today, we’re going to discuss 4 of the top digital marketing trends that will keep you ahead of the marketing curve for the remainder of 2022 and beyond.
1. Connection Continues to be King
As the COVID-19 lockdown drug on…and on…people found themselves drawn to businesses that nurtured connections online. Some were hosting live shopping events. Others were live streaming how-to demonstrations or sitting down for a digital Q&A, answering questions submitted by viewers in real-time. Not only did these online events give viewers a sense of community, but they also created an appreciation for businesses that go the extra mile to build relationships with clients and followers…and it is a trend that isn’t losing momentum in 2022.
So, use it to your advantage. Use your social media presence to show followers the “real you”. Give them behind-the-scenes peeks at the inner workings of your company. Run a sweepstake or contest and record the reaction of the lucky winner when you present them with their prize. Create valuable content that gives something to your viewers. Not only will relational content build brand trust, but it will also increase the odds that followers will remember you when they find themselves in need of your products or services.
2. Pop-Up Ads are Out, Chatbots are In
If you find yourself gnashing your teeth every time you’re forced to stop scrolling to address a pop-up ad or request to add your email (for any number of reasons), you’re not alone. It turns out many people are over pop-ups—in fact, during a recent survey, 73% of respondents said nothing could convince them to share their email in a pop-up ad, and 82% confessed their hatred of pop-ups in general.
So, why waste time and marketing dollars on an old-hat technique that most people are over? Instead, consider adding AI chatbots to your site. They are great at answering a limitless number of questions a website visitor may have—from your store hours and location (if you have a brick-and-mortar shop) to basics about your ordering, delivering, and return processes.
Chatbots give users that feeling of personal connection and can save you tons of time since you don’t have to address the more basic or routine questions about your company.
3. Value Sharing is Caring
There was a time when sharing personal beliefs was bad form in the business world. But today’s consumer wants to funnel their dollars toward businesses that share their same core values, so if you haven’t decided what your business stands for, 2022 is the perfect time to figure that out.
Start thinking about what makes up the heart of your brand. What matters most to you as a business? If you find yourself getting stuck, look to your mission statement as a good place to start. Sharing your brand values on your website and social media will allow you to connect to your customer base on a deeper level and ensure that your business is the one customers will remember when it is time for them to purchase your services.
4. Virtual Events
This form of connection that wild popularity during the pandemic continues to serve as an excellent marketing tool in 2022. Why? Customers realized they didn’t have to live nearby to join in on a company’s live-streamed event. And business owners realized that hosting virtual events opened them up to a global market of buyers interested in purchasing their products or services.
Make sure you use the right platform to host your event. If most of your followers connect with you via Instagram, a live event on LinkedIn will likely do you no good. And don’t forget that your event should add value to the lives of attendees. Whether you’re sharing insider tips, showing unique ways to use your product/service, or hosting a virtual meet-and-greet of industry peers, virtual events are a cost-effective way to connect with your audience in a way that really matters.
And so…
If you’re interested in reinventing the digital marketing plan for your business, contact us at Digital Canteen. We’d love to use our decades of collective experience to create a relevant marketing plan that will serve you and your business well…for the rest of 2022 and beyond.
Thanks for reading,
Digital Canteen Team
02-9025-4304
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