Upgrade your digital strategy with 2019 digital marketing trends and technologies that attract attention, build loyal customers, and drive conversions.
Every year, new marketing trends emerge, existing technologies get smarter, and consumers get savvier. This year is no different as businesses enhance their technologies and strategies to engage customers. Here are our top 2019 digital marketing trends to help you stay ahead of the curve:
1. The marketing funnel is evolving.
The current marketing funnel attempts to engage anyone and everyone. Rather than expanding a marketing funnel that consumes whoever it can, businesses are starting to leverage content to target niche audiences. According to Entrepreneur, using content to target customers who are more interested in your brand is more productive, cost-efficient, and sustainable.
2. Content is still on top of 2019 digital marketing trends.
If you haven’t already, it’s time to make a content marketing strategy your top priority. Content marketing has the potential to transform brands and boost customer engagement, with lower costs and higher returns. By developing an effective content marketing strategy, you can generate three times the leads and drive conversions to be six times higher than traditional marketing methods.
3. Chatbots are transforming customer service.
One of the most widely implemented forms of AI right now are chatbots, which are programmed to communicate with customers in a personalized manner. According to Grand View Research, the worldwide chatbot market will reach $1.25 billion by 2025, growing at an annual rate of 24.3 percent. Chatbots are an efficient and convenient way to provide online customer service in real-time. In fact, 45 percent of chatbot users actually prefer them for their customer service needs, and 47 percent of users would consider buying items from a chatbot.
4. Artificial Intelligence continues to grow.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking over and has the potential to completely change the way companies do business. AI tools are able to perform key marketing tasks allowing your actual team to focus on superior priorities. From data analysis to programmatic advertising, artificial intelligence can efficiently target potential leads and monitor consumers’ online habits. So if you haven’t already, this is the year to learn more about applying AI to your business as well as get ahead of competition.
5. Voice search is booming with smart speakers and digital assistants.
Smart speakers like Amazon Alexa and Google Home have made waves in consumer technology over the past few years. According to a recent study, 71 percent of smart speaker owners reported using them at least daily, while 44 percent said they used them multiple times a day. With the increased use of smart speakers and digital assistants, it is important to optimize your website content with the keywords, phrases, and queries that your target customers are using for voice search with their smart speakers.
6. Visual searches are making a breakthrough.
In addition to voice searches, visual searches are also taking off. New camera technology makes it possible for consumers to take pictures in real-time and find information about them. For example, Pinterest launched its Lens feature last year, and the platform reported that users have conducted over 600 million combined monthly searches. Take advantage of image searching, and make sure you optimize your site and social images for SEO.
7. Vertical video is on the rise.
As video continues to grow, a video marketing strategy is essential. Use vertical videos to engage customers on social media in a format that they prefer. Last year, Instagram launched IGTV for the deliberate purpose of watching videos in vertical mode. IGTV allows longer content, so you could publish animated videos, demos, interviews, case studies, 360-degree virtual reality, live streams, and more.
8. Customers taking caution when it comes to security.
With the growth of the Internet and social media, security has become more important than ever, and customers are more cautious about hacks, leaks, and thefts. With the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in effect, consumers are beginning to pay more attention to how businesses handle customer data. Boost consumer trust and outshine competition by protecting their personal information and providing a safe online environment.
9. Move over Millennials, it’s time to focus on Gen Z.
Marketers have been targeting Millennials for the last decade or so, but it’s time to shift gears and focus on younger generations. Gen Z is getting older, which means they are beginning to enter the workforce and possess buying power. In 2019, get to know Gen Z and their buying habits, and start marketing to them now, so you can retain these consumers for as long as possible. Keep in mind, Gen Z seeks authenticity and prefer socially responsible businesses, so they’re more likely to turn to companies that make the world a better place.
10. There’s a change in the influencers game.
Influencer marketing has been a widely used marketing strategy to appeal to consumers, but influencers on social media are changing. Companies previously relied on celebrities to convince people that products are worth buying, but consumers are now leaning toward their peers for purchasing decisions. These micro-influencers are easier for consumers to relate to rather than highly paid celebrities. Start researching the micro-influencers most followed by your target customers to take advantage of them before your competitors.
