It’s difficult to predict which methods will connect with consumers most effectively in the ever-changing field of marketing. Just when marketers believe they understand their audience, a new technology, new behavior or even an entirely new audience alters everything.
That said, it’s practical to reflect on the past year’s patterns and pay attention to growing trends that will influence next year’s success.
Here are some 5 marketing trends about what you need to keep an eye out for in 2019:
#1 Authenticity will combat relationships
Automation and technology help marketers scale more effectively, make better decisions, and save money. However, these advances sometimes come at the expense of the relationships those same marketers have typically built with members of their audience.
Although automation might cover basic tasks, it’s important to do your best to add a personal touch or offer direct help when possible.
Have communications, visit your clients in person, for instance, once a year to see how they could be helpful or improve the relationship and get to know the people better.
#2 Augmented reality and virtual reality will be on top
Staying on the cutting edge of marketing is essential for businesses to differentiate their business from competitors and appeal to their target market. AR trend is predicted to be a big deal with social media in 2019. It is the increase in what’s called “augmented reality.” So, what is it? Augmented reality is when what you’re seeing in your computer or phone is augmented or effected by other elements. Snapchat is a good example of this with their facial filters.
Through the use of Virtual Reality, companies can provide unique experiences to customers that help the company move into the future of marketing.
If you’re looking for a way to set your clients’ marketing strategies apart from all others in 2019, VR is still the way to go.
#3 Influencer Marketing keeps being trendy in 2019
Influencer marketing has proven to be one of the most effective ways of connecting with a community. In 2019, this strategy will still use many of the techniques and approaches that were popular in 2018.
Influencers are around us everywhere, on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Any time you see a sponsored video by anyone with hundreds of thousands of subscribers, you’re watching someone who’s considered an influencer. When influencers talk about a product or service, they’re taking advantage of social engineering to give off the impression that the product or service they’re marketing plays a significant role in their life and that it can play a significant role in their watchers lives too.
They’re people we feel we can trust and that goes a long way in a market where customers are hesitant to trust big companies.
Influencer Marketing will only become bigger in 2019 as social media increases and as more channels of influence increase.
#4 Voice search is getting louder.
According to Search Engine Land, voice-based commerce sales in the United States reached $1.8 billion in 2017 and are projected to reach $40 billion by 2022. Yep, that’s 40 billion! This trend means 2019 is the year to get ahead of the game.
Voice searching is an ingenious bit of technology. After all, who doesn’t like being able to simply say out loud to the nearest smart speaker, “Place an order for school supplies”? Not only does voice searching make it easier to find information online without pulling out a device; people love it because it reduces their screen time. Next year, make sure you’re optimized for voice searches.
“Voice is a more natural way of interacting than typing and using your thumbs,” one person told Google.
#5 It’s time to focus on Gen Z.
Gen Z is getting older, which means they are beginning to enter the workforce and possess buying power. You might recall how marketers scrambled to understand millennials (there didn’t seem to be an industry they didn’t kill — but hey, they’re just broke and much harder to lie to), so now is the time to pay attention to Gen Z.
It is impossible to make monolithic statements about members of the second-youngest generation, but you should remember a few things: they seek authenticity, and they prefer socially responsible businesses.
They’re growing up in a scary world and a struggling economy, so they’re more likely to turn to companies that make the world a better place.
These are just five trends to look out for as you think ahead for the end of this year and into the next. Remember, there’s not a single “right way” to build a marketing strategy, but these five tips can help you achieve any marketing goal.
Need assistance to make your 2019 marketing strategy work for you? Contact our marketing team!
