2020 sent digital marketing to the moon and beyond. Staying at home meant more time surfing the internet, learning new ways to network, and let’s be honest, you probably did some extra shopping online (who isn’t guilty of that?!). From creating a more aesthetic brand to utilizing new technology, during this time, many companies completely overhauled their online presence and digital marketing strategy. For those who hadn’t put much thought into the digital world prior to 2020, well, they had to start from square one and play catch as well as possible.  

If your company is now determined to stay on top with its digital marketing strategies, here are a few 2021 digital marketing trends you should consider.

ChatBots

Chatbots aren’t what they used to be. Artificial intelligence and advanced technology make the chatbot conversation as close as it can to actual human interaction. Because people are browsing the web 24/7 does not mean YOU have to be available 24/7. With a chatbot, people can get answers to their questions quickly and efficiently with little to no wait time on their end. 

With this technology, you can enter frequently asked questions and answers so that when someone asks a question on your website, your chat bot can respond with the correct answer. And at the end of the conversation, you can put a call to action for signing up for your newsletter, email list, or transition the conversation to the appropriate person as needed. 

This also serves as a great data tool! You can see the most frequently asked questions and put them on your FAQ page, elaborate on the topic more on your website, or create an entire blog post dedicated to questions as needed. You can also gauge how many people are asking about a specific topic and skew your marketing materials towards that

Two-Way Automated Texting 

Similar to chatbots, automated two-way texting is one of the best ways to keep in touch with your clients. Automated texting can confirm scheduled appointments, allow users to cancel or reschedule, send reminders for upcoming events, or even notify them of a new blog or service you’re promoting. Depending on how you have these texts set up, these can go out without you ever lifting a finger or thumb! Let your business work 24/7 for you with this type of technology combined with a chatbot on your site! 

User Generated Content

No matter if you sell a product or service, future customers want to hear from current customers. User-generated content is an incredible resource to tap into if you haven’t started already. 

This is FREE positive advertising that you are missing out on be missing out on! You can share these testimonials on your social media. If you don’t utilize social media currently, read our article about how to create a 2021 social media plan. You will get insight and tips on how to use these platforms wisely and efficiently! 

Video Testimonials

Written testimonials are great on your website, but video testimonials are hard to beat. A customer can really get connected to what you are selling by hearing how it impacted a current customer’s life in some way. These videos result in creating a more personalized touch compared to a few sentences on a webpage. 

Video Tutorials

Another great way to use videos is to have you or customers use the product in a video tutorial. If you have a product, even if it’s an online course or training, show it off to your audience by using the customers you have that already love the product. Post them everywhere these. From your website to social media ads, video tutorials are a great way to stand out online.

Podcasts

Do you have a podcast or advertise through podcasts? If you don’t have a podcast or aren’t really sure where to start, start slow and advertise! For as little as $10 per ad, you can reach your target market in a unique way! Here are some quick facts about why you should consider this type of advertising:

• 51% of people over the age of 12 listen to podcasts. 

• 33% of millennials listen to podcasts.

• 34% of people making $50,000 – $75,000 and 32% of people making $75,000-$100,000 a year listen to podcasts! 

• 54% of podcast listeners say they are more likely to consider brands they hear advertised on podcasts. 

Let Leaders Online Guide You

If utilizing these trends seems overwhelming, let us help you! We are professionals in the digital marketing world and are here to help you every step of the way. We know that you and your company are unique, and that’s why you need a customized marketing strategy that works. If you’re ready to dive deeper into the digital marketing world, we would be happy to connect with you today! You can set up a time to speak with one of today here.

If you want to learn more about digital marketing in general, check out our page here.