Winter is right around the corner and that means it’s staying ahead of the curve as a business owner and marketer is hot stuff! In this blog post, I’ll be running through some of the key trends I’ve seen shaping the marketing landscape for September. From emerging digital marketing strategies to the increasing demand for sustainability and customer empowerment (ummm, yay!), these trends are going to be crucial to jump on top for businesses who want to thrive in 2023.
#1: Emerging Digital Market Trends
A.I.
We are living and working in a digital and technological age. Our world is driven by technology, so it’s no surprise that emerging digital marketing trends keep revealing themselves and continue to shape the industry. Do I even need to say “AI”?! Artificial Intelligence is everywhere we look more openly and outwardly than ever before. It’s been around for years (come on, I can’t be the only one who played chess against the computer as a kid?!) but in the last 6-12 months, technologies like ChatGPT have taken the world by storm.
Whatever side of the coin you fall on (it’s here to steal my job vs. I love it and I use it for everything and all variations in between), AI is most definitely here to stay and it’s getting smarter and smarter every day. It’s revolutionizing the marketing world by providing valuable insights, automating processes, and enhancing customer experiences. Making use of it as a tool in your marketing efforts will allow you to target your audience more effectively and optimize your campaigns for much better results.
Influencer Marketing, Personalized Marketing and Video
Other trends gaining momentum right now are influencer marketing, personalized marketing and, of course, video. These marketing trends have been around for some time but we’re seeing renewed energy in these areas.
Influencer marketing isn’t just about getting someone to shout about your product anymore to their huge audience. Trust has slowed down and so it’s now vital that you choose the right influencers for your business, making sure that they align with your brand values and target audience.
Personalized marketing is very much about giving the user a highly-tailored-to-them experience. Making use of data analytics and automation means you can now deliver highly personalized content and offers to your clients, ensuring greater customer satisfaction and loyalty.
And there are still no signs of video waning as a marketing tool. YouTube, Instagram and TikTok are more popular than ever. And while Instagram might have said they were going to focus on more static content, my feed definitely says different! Videos engage users in a dynamic and interactive way. They’re far more likely to retain information and, more importantly, take action.
#2: Sustainability is Vital for Growth
In recent years, sustainability has gone beyond being a mere buzzword and it’s now a critical factor for business growth. With ecological disasters constantly appearing in the news, it’s not hard to see why we’re all becoming more conscious of the world around us and our environmental impact and it’s only natural that we start to look towards brands who share our values. A sustainable business model is all about environmental, economic, and social considerations so these are all factors we need to consider as we keep growing our businesses.
By researching and implementing sustainability into your marketing strategies, you immediately differentiate yourself from other brands and competitors out there, as well as attract environmentally conscious customers. Think about emphasizing eco-friendly practices in your business, responsible sourcing of products and materials in your deliverables, and be transparent about where your inventory is coming from. All these areas will build better trust and loyalty with your clients.
#3: Integrated Video and Written Content
As content consumption habits continue to develop and evolve, the best marketing strategy in 2023 will be one that incorporates both video and written content in a seamless and smooth way. Videos are what capture people’s attention as well as their ability to deliver messages clearly, but written content is what adds depth of meaning and supports SEO efforts, which is still a key tactic for long-range marketing efforts.
Combining video and written content allows businesses to appeal to different preferences and maximize their reach. For instance, a blog post can be improved with relevant videos, while well-written descriptions and transcripts can support video content. This integrated approach means the audience receives detailed information while optimizing visibility across various channels. It’s a win-win!
#4: Customer Empowerment and Data Control
Privacy is top of mind for many people today and customers are looking for greater control over their content and data going forward. They also no longer want to engage solely with billionaire-led platforms (naming no names!). Instead, they’re on the hunt for platforms that respect their privacy and give them the power to make informed decisions about what happens to their information.
With this in mind, it’s super important that business owners prioritize transparency and data security in their own marketing efforts. Start by building trust with clear privacy policies, ask for consent to use data, explain what you will be using it for, offer personalized opt-out options and, most importantly, do what you’re going to say if the person opts out of what you’re offering or asking of them. That last point is the most crucial in being able to maintain trust with your audience, so don’t ever go against what you promise them. Giving your customers and clients the ability to personalize their content preferences and allowing them control over their data will build stronger relationships and they’ll be more loyal to you than ever.
As always, marketing continues to evolve so it’s important to stay updated with the latest trends. I hope the trends discussed in this post offer you some valuable insights in how to market your business right now. And I know that if you’re able to embrace any and all of these trends as part of your own marketing, you’ll continue to see your business grow and engage with your audience throughout 2023 and beyond.
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