1. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence took the world of Digital marketing by storm, and become the number one trend in the year 2021.
While AI has been much discussed in the past decade or so, it wasn’t until recently that it was applied to almost every aspect of marketing. Even though as a user we don’t realize it, AI has changed the world of digital marketing highly, and for the better.
This becomes quite evident when you learn that 60% of total internet users have been interacting with Artificial Intelligence powered chatbots. In addition, these bots have also helped the users find a solution to their problem quite effectively.
Furthermore, the majority of the content consumed by users across social media platforms is fine-tuned with help of AIs. You know Artificial Intelligence is not unlike any other trend when you learn that it is expected to become a $190 billion industry within the next 4 years.
2. Augmented Reality
It has been some since AR or Augmented Reality was introduced to us. For those who are unfamiliar with the concept, it is an interactive experience of a real-world environment where the objects that reside in real-world, are enhanced through perceptual information that is generated by computers.
As such, AR consists of 3 basic features, which are, as mentioned below:
• a combination of real and virtual worlds
• real-time interaction
• accurate 3D registration of virtual and real objects
One might say it looks something straight out of Sci-fi, and it is. nevertheless, it is much more plausible from Marketing’s POV. After all, all of the big agencies are using this trend. And even the experts say it will outperformance Virtual Reality in the long term, in terms of market share.
3. Voice Search Optimization
It was found that more than 50% of teenagers use the voice search feature for their day-to-day needs. And why not, it is more convenient, and you can’t get the spelling wrong either, the best of both worlds.
This feature was introduced to mobile phones back in 2014, “Then what took it so long to become a trend?” Well, Voice Search got famous with the widespread use of smart speakers like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and so on.
These devices being fully voice-controlled is a big reason behind this digital marketing trend in the year 2021.
4. Chatbots
Right after AI, Chatbots hold the second spot on the list of top digital marketing trends in 2021. Powered by AI itself, these instant messaging systems allow the user to receive help, and that too quickly and effectively.
Designed to communicate through text and/or auditory methods, AI ChatBots improve by themselves over time. There are many businesses that have benefited from this digital marketing trend, by replying to 1000s of the customer at once. In other words, Chatbots allowed the business to provide 24/7 customer help service, without employing anyone to do it. How good is that?
5. Personalization
In order to outshine the competition, and stand out in the market, companies resort to the method of personalization of content, products, as well as promotional activities. And this become quite trendy in the Digital Marketing industry this year.
Some of the best examples of how powerful it can be if done right can be seen in Amazon and Netflix. With personalized suggestions and movie recommendations, they make each user feel like that they are being taken care of.
With this said, let’s look at some of the facts regarding personalization:
• More than 60% of users hate seeing the same generic advertising messages from the said brands.
• Around 80% of consumers say that they enjoy the companies that offer a personalized experience.
• 90% of users find personalized marketing more appealing.
6. Email Marketing (Automated & Personalized)
Email marketing has always been a big part of digital marketing. And promotional marketing is quite an amazing method to reach out to customers, letting them know what you offer, and how you can help them.
But what comes to make it even better? Of course, automation and personalization! As one might guess, automated email refers to scheduling them, and sending the email to customers based on triggers.
This is better than the mass email tactics, where people who are already receiving 100s of those and don’t enjoy them all that much. In contrast, personalized emails are much more engaging, and beg customers’ attention, mainly due to their uniqueness.
7. YouTube Shorts
Following the rise of the popularity of Tik Tok, many platforms introduced similar features, for instance, the YouTube Shorts. Quite similar to Instagram Reels, it allows you to create 15-second-long videos.
Needless to say, shorts blew up, and everyone liked them. This became a big trend for Digital Marketing, as a person is much more likely to see a 15-second-long video in contrast to minute-long ads. Makes sense, right?
8. Instagram Reels
Similar to YouTube Shorts, Insta Reels become quite a sensation among Marketers, and Content Creators. Plus, the ban of Tik Tok in many countries gave reels a sky-rocketing boast, serving as the best possible replacement.
As of today, people invest more time in reels on social media, than anything else on the app. This is why it become such a huge trend, maybe we should call it a Mega-Trend in the digital marketing industries of 2021.
9. WhatsApp Marketing
WhatsApp marketing becomes a trend, and one of the largest ones, as well as a permanent part of digital marketing in 2021.
Since this instant messaging application was bought by Facebook, many changes took place and allowed businesses to improve their reach, while engaging with clients. It allows your message personally, and it is used by the majority of people.
All of this combines to make a perfect application for digital marketers to use for their purpose.
10. Quora Marketing
The last digital marketing trend of 2021 we shall be looking at is this, the Quora Marketing.
A platform is known for question-and-answers, it also has limited advertising and monetization ability. However, it doesn’t stop marketing agencies from exploiting their full potential.
In addition to this, the platform become quite popular “again” recently as well as one of the favorites of google. The perfect combination for Digital Marketing Agencies.
