Let's examine some more ways in which you can further your own cause in 2020. Marketing moves at the speed of light … I know here at the Sandbox Centre as quickly as the idea comes (with great enthusiasm and excitement) so to does the next idea. Managing to execute on so many ideas as a small team has its great challenges. We often need to prioritize (and reprioritize) our course of action when it comes to spreading the good word of our partners, members & community at large.
As HubSpot, our CRM partner, points out - new trends and techniques pop up and transform the way we attract, connect with, and market to our audiences. But keeping up with these changes isn’t always enough. To succeed in the fast-paced, marketing world, you have to stay ahead of the game. That’s why they created this guide — influenced by some of their very own HubSpot experts. Bookmark this page to be able to return to some of the most important marketing trends of today, time and time again.
In part 1 of our look into 2020 marketing trends, we tackle a trend that we were schooled wise to as part of our onboarding with HubSpot... the flywheel. But let's take a look at some other emerging trends they've identified in regard to inbound marketing. Don't forget to check out part 2 of our look into 2020 marketing trends.
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WHY USE MARKETING TRENDS?
Well, just because something works now doesn't mean it'll work again in the future. You have to be one step ahead, or at least keep up with the emerging trends, that will impact your marketing success the next time around. So, other than keeping up with developments in the industry, why should your business care about marketing trends?
MARKETING TRENDS ALLOW YOU TO:
- Keep up with the way your consumers shop and research your products and services (and those of your competitors')
- Stay up to date with changes in consumer behavior and priorities
- Ensure you're ahead of the curve in terms of knowing who your target audience is and what they need from your business
- Listen and respond to changes in the market to help you save money
- Stay relevant in your target marketplace and among your competitors (now and in the long run)
NEW AND EMERGING MARKETING TRENDS
- Invest in inbound marketing
- Turn customers into your biggest promoters
- Create and share video content
- Reach new audiences with native advertising
- Leverage both ephemeral and permanent social media content
- Work with micro-influencers
- Implement voice search tactics
- Offer a responsive, mobile-friendly website design
- Integrate artificial intelligence
- Use virtual reality and augmented reality
- Include chatbots on your site
- Give your customers greater control over their data
As they've said, many things change in the marketing world — and they do so frequently. That's why they've listed some of the most popular types of marketing trends — and an example or two of each — to help you adapt to these developments as needed and to equip your business with the knowledge necessary for you to succeed.
STay up to date on the changing face of business
GENERAL MARKETING TRENDS CAN BE APPLIED TO VIRTUALLY ANY TYPE OF COMPANY, NO MATTER THE SIZE OR INDUSTRY. THESE TRENDS WILL HELP YOU EFFECTIVELY REACH YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE AND CONVERT MORE PROSPECTS THROUGH YOUR BUSINESS'S MARKETING CONTENT.
1. Invest in inbound marketing
As disruptive, outbound marketing tactics that interrupt audience members from whatever it is they're doing become less effective in reaching prospects and leads, inbound marketing has come to the forefront of effective tactics.
The process of inbound marketing requires you to product quality, valuable content tailored towards your target audience and buyer personas and their needs.
2. Turn customers into your biggest promoters
The marketing funnel is old news. Today, the flywheel — and a subsequent focus on service — have replaced the one-way direction of the funnel.
In the world of the marketing funnel, customers were an afterthought. Once they became a paying customer, businesses considered them obsolete — until, of course, it was time re-sign that contract.
The flywheel, on the other hand, places the customer in the center. Since word-of-mouth marketing is the single most powerful marketing tactic, it’s wise to not only serve your customers but also equip them to become advocates for and promoters of your brand. The flywheel illustrates this process: excellent service as its own marketing strategy. Take some time on this one as it is representative of 'the new world' approach, and will serve you well with the millennial buyer influence. Heck, it will serve you well with everyone. It is at the heart of our very own strategies here at Sandbox.
By keeping the flywheel at the center of your marketing efforts, placing a heavy emphasis on customer service and training to equip your customer service team with the tools to handle requests and issues, you'll delight and empower your customers.
This will lead to customers who can market for you — they can promote and advocate for your business via their networks both online and in-person.
HubSpot Featured Resource
USE MARKETING TRENDS TO GROW BETTER
You’re up to speed … for now. If your current campaigns and advertising don’t align with these trends, don’t fret. Slowly apply these changes to your marketing efforts and ensure all of your activities are compliant and legal.
As long as you’re keeping a thumb on the pulse of current marketing trends — and always remain open to change — your business won't fall behind.
Original Article by Allie Decker updated March 2020