Smart Insights has outlined a list of “10 Marketing Trends to act on in 2018” and there are some important points to note.
1) Mobile phone use for consumer purchases and services continues to rise exponentially. This means that a business website should be mobile friendly and have clickable phone links if this is helpful for your business.
2) The marketing aspect that businesses believe will be most important in 2018 is content marketing. This implies that business leaders understand how important it is for a commercial website to have CEO content geared towards those searching for information on products or services that are sold.
3) Big Data is becoming a bigger issue in business as is Big-Data Marketing. It can be understood as related to high-volume activities, as defined by SAS:
“Big data refers to the ever-increasing volume, velocity, variety, variability and complexity of information. For marketing organizations, big data is the fundamental consequence of the new marketing landscape, born from the digital world we now live in.”
Jason Falls, Director of Digital Strategy, offers that high-profile “influencers” will become more influential and in demand in marketing:
“The push toward influencer marketing being at the center of planning will continue to drive many brands. …The ever-narrowing organic window offered by social networks for brands and the ever-growing sea of noise that is content creators today means the trusted ones with large, engaged followings will rule the day for media and placement.”
Neil Patel offers that the significant trend towards video and live-streaming video is increasing, as opposed to content posted and read at a website or blog. “Studies suggest 80% of consumers prefer watching a live video from a brand as opposed to reading a blog.”
Neil offers that there is a valid alternative to high-profile influencers. “Micro influencers have between 1k–100k followers on social media. Brands are reaching out to these micro influencers because it’s easier for people to relate to them. Let’s be honest. Not many people can connect with celebrities. Plus, it’s obvious when they’re promoting something on their profiles.”
Forbes outlines that TEM (Total Experience Management) is replacing TQM (Total Quality Management), as a long-term trend. The overall quality and reliability of a product or service for many people have become less important than the overall experience and level of personal engagement: “…the ability to drive true engagement has become the Holy Grail, whether you are selling apples or automobiles.”
Tags: Top marketing trends 2018, key marketing trends 2018, new marketing strategies