Another year is coming to an end, so now’s the perfect time to get ahead of the marketing game! 2017 showed no mercy by introducing marketing trends at a record-setting speed. So, how can your business set the pace this year? To help pave the way for next year, here are some marketing dos and don’ts for 2018.
Do:
Focus on Personalization
We’re living in a world of millennials, a world where customer expectations are at an all-time high. Consumers don’t want to search for products anymore, they want products to search for them. This is why personalization has grown to be such a vital component of marketing. The old-school sales pitch has officially lost its touch. Entrepreneurs need to identify the diversity of their audience to create accurate target groups. If you can categorize your brand and content to meet the needs of each target group, you’ll win over customer loyalty and success.
Get Creative with Content Marketing Trends
Digital content creation is a long-term and meaningful way to market your brand. It’s what sets you apart from the competition and speaks to your audience by offering value. Everything else about your brand is secondary. Each day you neglect to post content, it’s another missed opportunity. If you’re not talking about your brand, then nobody else will either. Plus, content is what powers SEO, so more content means higher search rankings. Make the most of your business by feeding your audience the content that they crave.
Experiment with live video
Live video came in hot this year and caught a lot of attention from consumers. Major brands have already begun to implement live streaming, but it’s important to know why. It’s the addicting, “I can’t miss this” factor that’s keeping everyone at the edge of their seat. Live video is unfiltered, unscripted and raw. You never know what’s going to happen next. Thrill your audience with live video and give them a behind-the-scenes look into the world behind your brand.
Influencer Marketing
Between bloggers, YouTubers and Instagram stars, there are millions of influencers who are ready and waiting to promote your brand. There’s a common misconception that only large, developed businesses can afford influencer marketing, but this isn’t always the case. Look beyond the high-profile social icons. Any influencer with a niche and a loyal following has potential to be a strong ambassador for your business. When it comes to followers, it’s quality, not quantity that matters. If you’re new to influencer marketing, check out our blog post, How to Find Influencers for your Brand.
Don’t
Be Inconsistent
If your voice and brand are inconsistent, then your customer base will be inconsistent too. Consumers want to know who they’re buying from and what to expect. To maintain consistency, make sure your messaging is clear, accurate and straight forward. If your social media accounts cohesive and your is content positive, then your audience will continue to feel connected to your brand.
Make Sales Your Main Focus
Yes, sales are important, but sales will never exist if you neglect to cultivate brand awareness. Would you invest in something you know nothing about? Brand awareness is like opening gifts on your birthday. You immediately want to open the big one with the pretty packaging, even though you have no idea what’s inside. Your business needs to be the appealing package, not the tiny box in the corner carelessly wrapped in newspaper. Focus on growing your brand by using social media and radiating as much content as possible. Remember, it’s the content that makes the sale.
Neglect Social CRM
Customer relationship management, it’s what keeps your customers coming back for more. Social media has made it easy to manage CRM and to receive additional insight as well. Between tweeting questions, posting pictures and direct messaging, you’ll always be in-the-know about how your brand is perceived. Respond to the good, the bad and even the confusing, because consumers need to know that you’re there and that you’re listening.
Marketing is the first and last stepping stone to growing a business. Jump on now before somebody else does. As long as you stay motivated and take action, then sales will be the least of your problems.
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