FUTURE OF DIGITAL MARKETING AFTER COVID-19
Everyday life before 2020 seems like a blur today. The pandemic has changed everything - from the way people seek information, communicate, and even purchase. These changes mean that brands had to rethink how they market to customers and find new ways to build loyalty.
Digital marketing strategies have emerged as the harbinger of a new economic era, helping the brands countrywide flourish in the industrial sector. Digital marketing tools like web design, web content, search engine optimization, social media marketing, and email marketing contribute to the steady progress of business companies. The scope of digital marketing has widened. Marketers will reach their potential customers through multiple platforms such as social media, websites, paid ads, influencers, virtual events, games, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (V.R.). Although demand for digital marketing will increase, there’s a sizable shortage of professionals. It’s time to get equipped with the necessary skills for a flourishing career in digital marketing.
Webinars: From Presentations to Programs
Think late-night talk shows, coffee breaks, and chats; the traditional ‘present a concept and show my application' webinar is outdated. The next generation of webinar series are programs design to engage and encourage interaction, and people will want to subscribe or opt-in to receiving them regularly.
Events: From Physical to Digital
Digital events have been kind of boring - and many still are. But there's a lot of room and capabilities available to improve them. As brands are forced to cancel their physical events or their presence at physical events, there is an opportunity to create a digital version that is equally engaging and interactive.
It Takes a Village
You can take the expression "it takes a village to raise a child" and translate it into today's marketing experiences like this: "it takes a multitouch content experience to convert a customer."
From Offline to Online
Before the pandemic, brands relied heavily on traditional forms of advertising. Brands have switched from offline to online marketing during the Covid19 pandemic. They set out engaging with audiences online and discerned the true potential of digital marketing. A study by eMarketer in 2019 revealed that online ads spend surpassed offline for the first time, but conventional advertising still had a significant chunk of the spending pie. This story changed during the pandemic. While budgets for traditional advertising dipped, those for digital marketing grew by leaps and bounds.
Trends in Digital Marketing Post-Covid19
Coming out of the pandemic, customers will have different expectations that brands will have to be mindful of. These are some key post-pandemic trends:
Content delivery will be based on the need and value provided.
Constant observation of changing consumer behavior will be paramount.
Consumers will remember and trust brands who were there for them during the tough times. Staying connected is, therefore, crucial.
Innovation in business processes is more critical now than ever before.
Brands will have to establish multi-channel marketing strategies.
Social media accounts and websites will most likely be the primary touchpoint for brands.
Scope of Digital Marketing Post Covid-19
A multi-channel digital marketing strategy will be of foremost importance in the post-pandemic era. Brands will reach out to customers through multiple platforms such as social media, websites, paid ads, influencers, virtual events, games, etc.
Social Media will be the principal facilitator of digital marketing and help brands reach millions of customers.
Organic & Paid Search will drive traffic to websites. SEO will be one of the most important digital marketing strategies post-Covid19.
Email Marketing will once again gain resonance among customers. Brands will reach out with offers, discounts, and information to stay connected.
Video Marketing will be the most effective way to engage with customers. Viewing content is preferred over reading due to shorter attention spans.
Data Analytics & Cloud Technology will enable marketers to make informed decisions and adopt customized strategies.
Artificial Intelligence will find extensive usage to solve problems, provide entertainment and get queries answered.
Augmented & Virtual Reality will be employed for a more thoughtful and safer buying experience.
Covid19 has changed consumer expectations. Today, they don’t want to see marketers persuading them to purchase something that doesn’t offer value. Brands are understanding this and incorporating the sentiment in their strategies.
Having taken a bite of the digital marketing fruit and realizing the potential it has in store, brands will continue investing in a tech ecosystem to keep the momentum moving. The future is technology, and now is the right time to become a part of this digital onset in marketing.
Written by Bhagya Chadha