With 2022 just around the corner, and 2021 almost in the review mirror, it’s difficult not to feel like we are still recovering from 2020. Not just marketing but the entire world has seen a drastic amount of change in these past two years and these changes have been negative and positive in many ways. With the dust settling (almost), 2022 brings a new age of adapting to a post-pandemic world and the technological changes it has brought. It is evident now, more than ever, how vital it is to incorporate digital marketing into your business and branding strategies. These are some Digital Marketing Trends for 2022 that we are watching out for and so should you.
Diversity, Inclusivity and Connection are Key
The future of marketing and business will be aimed even more at real customer needs. The pandemic emphasised many structural inequalities. Customers’ expectations are growing for brands to address diversity, equity and inclusion. It’s vital to know that people’s identities are intersectional and each person has their own unique set of experiences of discrimination and oppression. Brands need to consider everything that can marginalise people. Research what identity means in your particular market and incorporate these learnings into every stage of the creative process. As new experiences, needs and interests emerge, people change and evolve. Incorporating diversity, equity and inclusion in your digital marketing strategy is a never-ending, ongoing process.
Privacy is Imperative
Consumers are becoming more concerned about protecting their privacy online and prefer to use online services that promise high data protection. Brands need to focus and think about their online data protection strategy. Using tools like Google Analytics or Site Tag help brands get a more complete picture of their audience while preserving user privacy and allowing consumers to feel in control and manage the data they share. Stay open and honest about how and when you collect personal information from your customers, how you will use this information and put users in control of their data.
The Internet of Things (IoT)
Smartphones, smartwatches and smart TVs are already common today and with technology becoming cheaper and smaller, it won’t be too long until almost every electronic device will be ‘smart’ in some way. This trend will continue to ramp up as time goes and these connected objects will generate a huge amount of data. This data can be used by brands to gain advanced customer insights and personalise the customer experience, providing easier communication and engagement.
Gen Z & Their Influence
As the first Millennials are beginning to approach their 40s, Generation Z is starting to become of age. More and more people born between 1995 and 2010 are entering the workforce and Generation Z are very different to Millenials – they have grown up in a digital world. Gen Z has very different viewpoints than the generations that came before them and is more diverse than any generation in history. This can be a challenge for brands but it also creates opportunities to reach new and different audience segments through personalisation. Think of new, innovative ways to reach these decision-makers of tomorrow.
Video & Digital Marketing Trends
A large portion of the future of digital marketing lies in video and brands must integrate video content to keep their brand fresh and aligned with what consumers are looking for. Uploading content such as product demos, webinars, and live video events are 53x more likely to generate first-page search engine result pages. Optimise your videos by picking a good title and description and a simple URL. Keep your videos short and be sure to share them on all your social platforms.
With so many changes in the technological and business sphere, keeping on top of digital marketing trends in 2022 is so important. We at Something Social wish you and your business success for the next year. Pop us a mail if you have any questions or need some advice for your brand.🌿
