In 2019 it is crucial to stay on top of the marketing trends. Your team needs to understand what works and what is just a waste of money!
One thing that we can all agree on is that your brand’s voice needs to be clear and consistent in whatever channel you choose.
Traditionally the most reliable channels for advertising directly to the consumer have been TV, radio, and direct mail. I am sure that some companies still spend thousands of rands on traditional marketing efforts but I have a few questions for you:
1. How many of you watch TV ads, with the majority of households now consuming content on Netflix, Hulu, DStv Catch Up and YouTube do you think spending money on TV ads is worth it? I know from growing up and having Mnet that when it is time for an ad we would get up to quickly go make tea or get something.
2. How many of you still listen to the radio every single day? I know I do but only for 20 min on my way to work. The rest of the day I am either listening to YouTube, Podcasts or streaming music on iTunes.
3. Email marketing is still a very efficient way of marketing, if all our social media platforms had to crash at least you would still have our databases! BUT, yes there is a but, how many marketing emails do you delete without opening them? The trick is to get the subject line right!
You can’t discuss digital media marketing trends without acknowledging the ascent of social influencers. Seventy percent of advertisers currently work with influencers, and 40% plan to increase influencer budgets in the coming months. Your followers want to see "real" experiences by "real" people. So many people still today spend money on magazine ads. We are not saying there is not a place for print ads but when last have you buy a magazine and read it? We urge companies to start looking at increasing their digital marketing spend, where costs are lower and you can reach more people.
Facebook paid ads are so cost-efficient. Implementing Facebook advertising into your Facebook marketing strategy is one possible technique for increasing likes or driving website clicks. Facebook advertising features include Demographic targeting by Facebook user data on age, location, education, and interests.
Instagram can also help you grow brand awareness and introduce products. 70% of Instagram users have spent time looking up a brand on the platform. Instagram allows you to promote your brand and product in a friendly, authentic way without hard selling to your customers. And don't forget Instagram Stories!
When it comes to achieving your marketing goals, Twitter is a powerful tool. Add images to your tweets to boost retweets. Use Twitter video if you want even more engagement. Conduct polls to create new conversations centered around your brand.
LinkedIn marketing is something I really, really believe in for 2019. LinkedIn has transformed so much as a platform. Years ago, it used to just be for job seekers. People would post resumes and only connect with people they knew and no one else. Now, it's become more of a content platform.
We can not have a chat about marketing and not bring up billboard advertising and banner ads. Did you know that banner ads are designed to work on computers and not mobile? With 86% of people looking at websites on their phones - they will never see that banner ad you paid for!
Billboards are good right? Especially the digital ones? If you are driving in your car and had to pass a digital billboard you have a split second to see the content, a digital ad is around 15 seconds long and will be displayed every 3 - 5 minutes. What are the changes that anyone can see all the details for the ad? I am sure your next thinking would be but what about the passenger, they would see our ad - nope! Most of the time the passenger is busy on their phone. Ok, so what if there is traffic? Sure you have a better chance but with the way, life is today people are most likely communicating to someone on their phone while sitting in traffic.
One big thing to look out for in the future is how technology will transform how consumers use content, and mobile users will skyrocket among all age groups. Voice will continue to expand, Alexa is a virtual assistant developed by Amazon, definitely one to keep an eye on.
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