Digital marketing for business has never been this important. Sure, it has long been used to market a brand and promote products or services. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has even intensified the use of online marketing strategies. Why? Both businesses and consumers have gone ‘digital’ in conducting business transactions.
But when we think of digital marketing, we most likely think of search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, email marketing, content marketing, and social media management. But surprisingly, specific marketing types have sprouted out of these primary strategies. And digital marketers capitalize on the use of digitalization and technology to promote their business.
Here are top digital marketing trends in 2020 to consider for growing your business:
1. The Rise of Automation and AI
The use of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) has been such a game-changer in the business landscape. They help make business processes and applications more efficient, accurate, and productive. At the same time, they make the lives of the workforce a lot easier and more convenient. Their use applies to digital marketing as well.
That said, consider using automated tools and AI technologies in implementing marketing strategies, tracking leads, and monitoring sales conversion. They can improve your marketing campaigns and allow you to make the necessary adjustments when necessary.
2. The Use of XR
Extended reality (XR) has made a world of difference in business in recent times. Their utilization has become apparent during the pandemic. Companies now use virtual reality (VR as completely virtual), augmented reality (AR as a real-world setting), and mixed reality (MR as a combination of both).
The use of XR can significantly help in digital marketing as well. First, consider using VR and AR to enhance the consumers’ online shopping experience. Also, incorporate XR in promoting your retail products, real estate properties, and even digital services. All these will help consumers make an informed purchase decision.
3. Focus on Local Search and Voice Search Optimization
Search engine optimization (SEO) is deemed the pillar of digital marketing. In a saturated web with plenty of businesses taking space, SEO helps give your business its online visibility. The goal is to get the top ranking in the search engine results pages. To do so, a digital marketer must optimize the website, produce relevant content, and build backlinks. Doing so will boost the business’ online visibility and website traffic.
However, SEO has transformed in recent years, given the algorithmic updates from Google and other search engines. The focus now is on local SEO and voice SEO, especially during this pandemic.
Thus, you need to optimize your website for the local search. Do this by updating your business in local listings like Google My Business. Plus, don’t forget to optimize your content for voice search. More than 50 percent of people are now using their voices to search online.
4. The Utilization of Chatbots
Earlier, we talk about the use of AI in business. A significant part of it is the use of chatbots, which is exactly what it is. As a virtual robot, it helps and assists customers online by providing customer service. As an example, it answers customers’ queries and responds to their concerns.
As far as digital marketing is concerned, it’s a good idea to use Chatbots on your website. If you have limited customer service agents, they can assist customers in the meantime. They can do so, especially during non-working hours. For more complex issues, ensure that your chatbots refer to a human customer representative for proper handling.
5. The Use of Automation and Personalization in Email Marketing
Emails have long been employed in the world of business. CEOs, managers, employees, suppliers, clients, and customers have always been using emails to communicate. They are especially helpful in marketing a brand and promoting products or services. That is where email marketing comes into the picture.
Digital marketers send promotional materials, business news, and industry updates via emails. It helps if businesses incorporate automation in their email marketing for efficiency. However, they still need to make these emails personalized so that they appeal to the target consumers.
Ultimately, it’s best to hire chief marketing officer or CMO services to have someone oversee your email marketing strategy and even those digital marketing campaigns mentioned above.
There’s no doubt that digital marketing has gone far in marketing a business. However, it helps to pay attention to the latest trends, especially during this pandemic. Most importantly, digital marketers must consider incorporating some of these trends in their strategies. Whether automation and AI, local and voice SEO, or email automation and personalization, digital marketing strategies will work wonders in growing your business.