Why it’s important

The constant evolution of customer tastes and the expanding market landscape, means your digital marketing abilities need to be tip top. Experimenting with new marketing techniques could open wider opportunities for you as a business, helping you to stay ahead of the curve. No matter the size of your business, big or small, everyone needs to have some of these trends ticked off their list.

What is digital marketing?

Digital Marketing, referred to as online marketing, essentially gives your brand a voice, allowing you to connect with potential customers by utilising the internet and other digital communications to be seen. These methods can also maintain longevity in the relationships you have with current customers. Social media covers a rather large area when it comes to digital marketing, and in today’s technologically changing world, you will struggle as a brand if you are not leveraging these platforms to your advantage.

It can be hard to keep on top of everything all at once but it’s not too late to start implementing these focuses within your marketing methodology.

In-person events are back 

Last month marked three years since the UK was put in lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Today, in-person events are back, and this is HOT for hospitality and of course any business that involves customer facing roles.

There’s the saying of one-step forward, two steps back, however the forecast for the next year indicates that more and more people are now agreeing to go to in-person events. This is great for gaining traction to your business.

Brands should invest in in-person events and find creative ways on how to capture events in the physical world that can be shared on your digital platforms.

Greater focus on customer experience

Linking to the rise of in-person events and their popularity, the experience you can offer your customer is mega important in leaving that ever-lasting memory of the time they spent with you.

However, online customer experience can sometimes be overlooked. Engagement and interactivity will be vital values within 2023, which means avoiding ‘user frustration’ where possible to ensure a seamless experience is provided. To combat this, you will need to ensure that your digital platforms are easy to navigate and offer services that can help a customer when needed. Does your website have all the relevant information?

Be ‘searchable’

The number of people researching through social media is increasing. With the use of keywords growing, this poses difficulty especially when digital platforms and their algorithms such as TikTok and Instagram are changing more frequently. 

TikTok now has ways in which key words used in the comments section act as new search suggestions so that it’s quick to find an answer or the next video. Trends are a huge factor in what is popular, so brands need to keep on top of what is relevant so that customers engage with their brand. 

Make sure that you are ahead of relevant trends and topics to reinforce and widen your engagement.

Podcasting

Sharing is caring. Knowledge distribution will be key in 2023, and transparency will take the lead. Not only this, but allowing customers to see or listen to a brand will help them resonate with you.

The ability to connect and collaborate with others will also benefit brands in learning from one another which can in turn strengthen their business model. This will give you another level of content creation that will add to the dynamic of your brand.

Podcasting can also seem a fun element to get involved in, you can discuss all the latest topics of discussion and even invite guest speakers.

‘Creator Economy’

Is the term ‘influencer’ dying out? The re-invention of what an influencer is, is certainly evolving but what’s more popular for customers and consumers is the term ‘content creation’. The level of following that someone has doesn’t play a huge factor within this new social media culture, but it’s their ability to create engaging content that matters.

There has been a rise in individuals identifying themselves as content creators with 30% of 18 to 24-year-olds and 40% of 25 to 34-year-olds.

TikTok is a platform that has taken storm since the pandemic and the majority of big brands and companies have hopped on the TikToker bandwagon. Resonance for customers is important, which is why content creators can be seen as more realistic and trustworthy.  UGC content (user generated content) can incentivise customers to purchase from their favourite content creators’ brands.

There we have it, a few areas to consider refining and strengthening for your business, it’s not too late to get started!

Need a team of hospitality experts to help your brand navigate new and upcoming digital marketing trends? Get in touch with Posh Cockney today.