A new year brings new motivation, new drives, and a push of new trends to the market. So, you’re probably asking, Winston, what is 2021’s marketing trend forecast looking like?
There are three main areas to focus on, the powerful social media empire, the paid advertising fads, and a new shift in brand message and sentiment.
#1 Influencers and User-Generated Content
We all know that word of mouth is the key to great marketing, which is why social media influencers are on the rise now more than ever. In the age of COVID-19 and store shutdowns, popular accounts showcasing great products is the best way to get new people interested. Instagram Reels, which are short videos that can be searched using just keywords, are also projected to make a big splash this year. Reels are essentially like Snapchat and Instagram stories, but with the ability to add in music and other elements to spark engagement. The reels do not have to be complex videos, they can be simple like telling a story or explaining a process.
If your audience is within the millennial and Gen Z age range, you need to join TikTok. TikTok is a wildly popular platform that businesses are able to utilize user-generated content and influencers in a way that promotes your brand without sounding salesy.
#2 Boost Engagement Through Paid Ads
I’m sure we have all experienced this, you’re watching a YouTube video and as soon as it gets to the best part, it’s cut off and you are fed an ad. As much as you want to get back to your video, the ad is interesting, engaging, and something you’ve been looking into. Nearly 30 seconds later your video is back right where you left off and you have a new brand to look into once you're done. With a desire to build consumer engagement regular search text ads are slipping through the cracks. For text ads, one can only hope that their audience will take the time to read an ad. With video ads, you jump right out at them at a time where suddenly they have to pay attention, especially when they are waiting for the “skip ad” button to pop up. This new way of grabbing consumer attention is quick, simple, and could generate some valuable leads in 2021.
#3 Does Your Brand Care?
2020 put us through way more than we could have ever imagined. People need to know; Do you stand with them? Do you care?
There is a very obvious shift in how brands communicate. Core values are being shared openly and speaking out on social issues is becoming more normalized. Over 70% of millennials are asking for social issues to be talked about by their favorite companies. Brands such as Verizon, Walmart, and others have become open and offered new policies in favor of social justice issues. There is more than this brand shift to social justice, brands are becoming more humanized. There are more two-way conversations opening and, with the help of social media, people are able to share videos and show that brands are more than their products.
In summary, give your brand a more humanized form. Be in front of your audience with videos and pictures that tell YOUR story and do not be shy in involving popular and relatable creators in sharing your story as well! Engagement is huge this year, involve video ads in your marketing strategy, and see how many new leads come running in. We know that crafting a new marketing strategy with a new foundation can be hard, luckily, you have us! Learn more about our online marketing solutions and how we can keep your brand above water in an ever-changing industry.
For more information on our online marketing solutions, visit our online marketing page.
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