2017 Digital Marketing Trends You Can Use Today
by Eva Edukonis
At the end of every year marketers start compiling their lists of trends and technologies that they think will have a big impact on the industry in the coming months. This year is no different but the exciting thing about many of the 2017 trends is that you can easily start using them in your social media marketing plan right away, with very little technical knowledge.
Interactive Content
This trend is so easy to incorporate and chances are you have already toyed with the concept if you ever posted emailed a survey or ran a Facebook contest. This style of content asks the viewer to become actively involved in the marketing itself. The best interactive content engages viewers on a personal level, appealing to ideas and solutions that they value individually.
Typical formats of Interactive Content are:
- Polls/Surveys
- Photo Contests
- Product Giveaways
- Story Sharing
Video
Today, every person with a smartphone has the capability to produce quality videos for use on the web. With the advent of live streaming across social media platforms, it is easier than ever to communicate your message in a way that is unique, informative, and engaging to your audience. This is a great way for customers to get to know you, your employees and your story. Get creative and hit Record!
Video can be used to:
- Answer Frequently Asked Questions
- Tease about a new product or service
- Introduce staff members
- Give a “Behind-the-Scenes” look at your business
- Introduce yourself and say “Hi!”
Go Mobile
More than half of all people on the Internet are now accessing it through mobile devices. Being mobile-friendly means more than just updating your website; it means making sure that your content caters to your customers “on the go”.
This may mean:
- Ensuring your website is mobile friendly
- Focusing your content to say more with less
- Incorporating more visual elements into your marketing
- Creating shortcuts for phone numbers, email, and driving directions to make it easier for mobile viewers to contact you
Time Sensitive Content
We can thank Snapchat for this marketing trend, although the concept of time limits isn’t new; think expiration dates on coupons. Create a sense of urgency in your audience by creating content that is only available for a short time. Set an expiration date and make the limited availability part of the message to drive traffic.
Use time sensitive content to:
- Create buzz about a product/service launch
- Offer exclusive incentives/savings
- Give customers a behind-the-scenes sneak peek of an upcoming sale
Inspiration
Need inspiration for your digital marketing plan? Check out some of 2016’s best campaigns!
The Ten Best Marketing Campaigns of 2016 – Brandwatch
The 15 digital campaigns the biggest names in advertising wish they had created – Business Insider
Need help coming up with creative ways to incorporate these trends into your current marketing plan? Island Marketing can help – put our experience to work for you and focus on what you love to do!
