These predictions are based on some current trends. The things that early adopters are taking to right now. Those that will likely become mainstream and widely used in 2021. Here are our 10 MARKETING PREDICTIONS FOR 2021.
Brand authenticity
Okay, so our first major marketing prediction for 2021 is that there’s going to be more brand authenticity.
There’s a whole new wave of appreciation for user generated content or UGC.
Which is basically any form of content, such as images, audio, text, or video, that was posted by another user.
It’s so powerful because instead of trying to convince your customers how awesome your brand is, you let your fans show up for you.
2. Text Messaging will be taken over by Email
Our second 2021 marketing forecast is that email will become less relevant and will be replaced by text messaging.
Now some of the biggest influencers have probably already begun to place greater emphasis on email texting.
And for some good reason.
The average open rate for text marketing campaigns is 98%, compared to an open rate of 20% for email marketing campaigns.
In a world of endless distractions, going directly to someone’s text inbox gives you the greatest chance to get their attention and get a response.
As we think of 2021, we can see the importance of asking for your prospective phone number instead of their email address.
Here’s a tip from the PRO:
Next year, when you set up landing pages or pop-ups on your website, instead of emailing them a discount or a lead magnet, consider texting them.
And ideally, set it up so that you can also respond back if they happen to respond.
3. Technical SEO Will be a vital component
Our third marketing forecast for 2021 concerns search engine optimization and people who are technically minded.
Google has always highlighted user experience as one of the top signals for deciding which sites to provide traffic or rankings.
They want the most useful and relevant information to be displayed to their users based on the purpose of their search.
Google has announced that Core Web Vitals will be added to their new web experience signal.
This isn’t just a prediction. We mean, Google itself just announced last month that it was going to happen.
Saying, quoting. “We’re announcing that the Google Search ranking signal experience page will be launched in May 2021. This will combine Core Web Vitals with previous UX related signals.“
So, if you’ve been trying to win rankings and want to get more traffic on the website in 2021, this one is huge AND something you can do right now.
Start by connecting to your Google Web Console or setting up one. Then check out Google’s suggestions about optimizing your core web vitals.
It’s something we’re doing, and we can’t wait to see how it’s affecting us.
So we’ve got May 2021 on our calendar, and we’re going to look closely at the results.
4. Increase in local and mobile searches;
Now sticking to your search, our fourth prediction is that Google will continue to be more local and more mobile.
It’s no surprise that more people have been buying smartphones over the years, and that has led to a rapid increase in mobile search on Google.
As we mentioned, with Google paying so close attention to user signals, it is equally important for websites to be optimized for mobile devices.
This is nothing new to you.
In fact, we know that Google has put weight on websites with good mobile experience for years.
But it is our feeling that every year, as demand for mobile sites increases, Google is putting more weight on it.
So if you haven’t optimized for it yet, there’s no better time to start than 2021.
5. Competition
A lot of you don’t want to like this now, but here’s the truth.
2020 has surprised a lot of companies.
We mean, the world was going digital, but everybody thought they had plenty of time to figure things out and change their business.
But it’s no.
If 2020 showed us anything, it was the fact that if your business was set up to handle online business, then you’re one of those companies that could rotate much more easily than those that didn’t.
Google Ads Outcome
And there are hundreds of thousands of people who have just learned this lesson – the hard way to go.
If you launched a physical location in 2020, then you are likely to have suffered.
And if you launched an online-powered business, you’re likely to have a better chance of success.
And if you’re one of those people who experienced online success in 2020, then you should know the herd is coming.
Okay, the hundreds of thousands of people are learning, hiring people, setting up websites, social media pages, and more.
And be prepared to go after your audience.
So in 2021, we’re going to see some massive clashes between people fighting customers.
We’re going to see some intense marketing campaigns, and maybe we’re starting to see some heavy online beef.
But if you read this post, then you’ve got the edge of it.
You have the opportunity to see some of the early trends that are happening.
Prepare now so that when new people enter the market, they’ll wonder how you seem to win over the audience.
Additional marketing predictions Worth Note:
Now, this is a very important note.
Online advertising is a game that is mostly won by people who have the most money.
And we don’t say that lightly, because the truth is that there are still a lot of bad advertisers who don’t know what they’re doing and they’re wasting their money.
And many of our clients end up getting more leads and more sales because we know the right advertising strategies to use.
But guys, eventually in your space, there’s going to be an advertiser who not only has great strategies, but also has more money.
So what are you going to do about this?
6. Speed-up
Consumers are waiting for things now.
They want quick explanations, they want quick answers.
They want quick deliveries, they want quick returns, etc.
And sometimes, service is the best marketing option.
If someone has a nice experience, they are likely to come back and refer to other people.
So what can you do today to make your business faster and faster to meet consumer expectations?
Also, it’s relevant to go along with speed.
Okay, so if something new or trendy happens, how fast is it that you can jump into conservation?
The faster you can in 2021, the more likely you are to become aware of and stand out in the competition.
There are two more marketing predictions left.
7. Short-formed video
Now we’ve also talked about this in our “Social Media Marketing Predictions in 2021” post.
But this time, we’re talking about short-form video, in general.
So we’re talking about the brief introduction of videos on your website, adding short videos to your product or service pages.
Long-form video definitely has its advantages, and there’s definitely a time and place for it when you’re going to live.
But the biggest problem with long-form video is that you’ve got to keep your audience’s attention for longer periods of time.
And with social media and all the interesting distractions around us, it’s getting more and more difficult to pull out.
Well, think about this.
Who would you prefer to have?
- Option A) Someone visits your site, starts a 10-minute video and only makes it a two-minute video mark.
- Or option B) Does someone visit your sites, start a 60-second video, and watch the whole thing?
We are thinking that option B, if packed with incredible value, would be the best choice for you.
So when someone is closer to the bottom of your enclosure, which means they’re close to actually becoming a customer, don’t force a 10-minute video on their face.
Hit with a quick testimonial reel, explanation or review of the product.
8. More nostalgia for me
Studies have shown that a nostalgia hit can improve our mental state.
Research has shown that nostalgia can be positive for mental health and can even reduce symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression.
Furthermore, people are actively engaged in nostalgia.
It may be willing, like choosing to think of happy memories. But sensory triggers like photos, smells or sounds also allow us to indulge in nostalgia.
This makes sense, therefore, why brands want to be associated with these positive emotions.
And there’s no better way to do that than to throw it away.
Of course, you need to be very in tune with your audience, as they know their age and their interest, so you can call back a major throwback.
Actually, some of the 2020 Super Bowl ads did just that.
So again, you just need to make sure that the throwback is relevant to your audience and that you instantly inspire emotions.
You don’t have to do that much.
You can spark your emotions with a simple quote, a little music, an image, or you can go all the way with a video.
9. Live streams and an increase in the content of the influencer
Staying at home meant that events were canceled and that consumers were unable to attend in-person events. They were not even in a position to socialize with their friends and family.
This led to an uptick in the number of people tuning into live streams, whether it was a live stream brand, a live video from their favorite celebrity, or an online workshop.
Live viewing on Facebook increased by 50 percent during the lockdown period, while viewing on Instagram increased by 70 percent. TikTok’s use shot up in 2020, and there’s a good chance that this upward trajectory will continue to play out in 2021.
Human-driven content like live-stream influencers can create trust and tap into the ‘in-the-time’ connection that consumers are looking for in 2020.
Amazon Live really did go on during the pandemic. Influencers have taken to the platform to promote their favorite products during live events. What’s more, live streams were shoppable, which meant that viewers could make purchases while they were watching.
10. More goodwill and purpose-driven missions by brands
“The smartest brands will understand where they fit into the social media life of their customers, and they will find creative ways to fit into the conversation.“
The need for transparency is at the heart of this.
It is impossible for consumers to connect to brands that they see as ‘shady’ or insincere. Why would they want to invest in something they can’t trust or don’t believe in? That’s why the connection will be pivotal to brands that want to remain trusted sources in 2021.
Now more than ever, brands need to dig deep to find out how to thrive in turbulent times. Deloitte’s report states that to do this, brands need to “be deeply attuned to why they exist and who they are built to serve.”
We’re no strangers to seeing brands do good things, but next year there’s going to be even more emphasis on this.
We’ll see more brands running campaigns like Hilton’s #HotelsForHeroes, where they gave free rooms to medical workers, or Chanel’s pandemic contribution, where they asked their seamstresses to make face masks.
Marketing Predictions: Final Takeovers
Okay, that’s our digital marketing forecast for 2021. Just tell us what you think before you go anywhere.
Do you think any of these will come true, and what are some things that you believe will happen in 2021?
Share this with us in the comments below.
And if you want to start your 2021 with a sound marketing strategy tailored to the specific goals and needs of your business, it’s the perfect time to work with the experts.
Our awesome team is always ready to help business owners like you. Contact us today, please!
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