The year 2020 saw the world change as we know it. Industries were forced to adjust to a coronavirus reality and thus digital marketing trends have drastically shifted.
The marketing landscape is always ever-changing; however, the global pandemic forced many businesses to change their entire operation and adapt. Some of those changes to digital marketing won’t be going away anytime soon.
Virtual Events are Here to Stay
The biggest adjustment businesses had to make in 2020 was the absence of in-person events. We at the Easily Amused Team regularly looked forward to WordCamp events and hanging out the WordPress unofficial mascot, the wapuu.
- According to Wild Apricot, the number of organizations planning virtual events doubled in 2020
- Bizzabo reports 93% of event organizers plan to invest in virtual events moving forward
Virtual events became a necessity in 2020, and as we look ahead to 2021, we don’t see them going anywhere any time soon.
Social Media Will be an Avenue for Selling
There is no question social media is on the rise. Social media in the digital marketing industry has steadily become an integral tool to both obtaining new customers and retaining existing customers. The emergence of new social media apps are creating multiple avenues for digital marketers to explore.
A survey conducted by Hootsuite shows 73% of respondents stated acquiring new customers was their primary social media goal for 2021. Facebook and more recently, Instagram added the ability to integrate a shop right into your profile. As a result, more businesses will begin leveraging social media accounts much more.
AI Technology Replacing Communication Jobs
AI technology was once thought to be a futuristic dream in the mid 20th century when the concept was first explored. Now, companies like Replicant have revolutionized the concept of artificial intelligence. What was once the feeling of talking to a robot, has progressed into the experience of talking to a real-life person.
According to HubSpot, these 10 jobs will be replaced by artifical intelligence
- Telemarketing
- Booking Clerks
- Compensation and Benefits Managers
- Receptionists
- Couriers
- Proofreaders
- Computer Support Specialists
- Market Research Analysts
- Advertising Salespeople
- Retail Salespeople
Data from Oberlo shows the artificial technology market was valued at $27.23 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow exponentially to $266.92 billion by 2027.
Live Streaming and Video Reigns Supreme
The past year saw nation-wide shutdowns and people stuck in their homes. Live streaming and video as a whole is increasingly taking over the digital market.
Statistics from 3PlayMedia show:
- The video live streaming industry has increased by 99% in 2020
- The video streaming industry will be worth $184 billion by 2027
- 67% of live viewers are likely to buy a ticket to an event
- The 80% of consumers prefer live videos to blog posts
- More than 50% of students have attended school virtually in the fall of 2020
Live streaming offers a lane for consumers to connect with influencers on a more personal level. During a time where people were stuck at home, live streaming offered a sense of familiarity and connection.
Conversations Continue to Drive Sales
Social media has been a driving force behind digital marketing trends for several years. As a result, social media engagement, interaction, and conversations have become the gas pedal.
“Today, your audience wants to have an authentic experience with your brand and the best way to do that is by leading with conversations.”
Lindsay Tjepkema, CEO of Casted. Quote from HubSpot
Declining in-person sales techniques and the continuing rise of eCommerce have forced businesses to change their selling approach. Research from Accenture Interactive found nearly 87% of organizations agree that traditional experiences are no longer enough to satisfy their customers. The once simple online showcase of goods and products is a thing of the past. Consumers want to have a conversation with their brand and build a B2C relationship.
