2014 is coming to a close and 2015’s door are just opening and it’s that time of the year where we have to start contemplating on what’s going to happen to us for the following year. This is especially nerve wracking for businesses everywhere since they know that the marketing trends they have used this year, may or may not be the same for the next and will have re-adjust all over again.
Don’t fear because change will always be there and the best way to combat change is to adjust to it or at least be prepared.
Here are the top 10 digital marketing trends and predictions for the incoming year 2015.
Brand Empathy and Customer Experience
Consumers will be looking for brands and associated blog posts that they could find useful and helpful. But that doesn’t mean one will have to leave out customer experience, definitely not as they will also be looking for this. Blogs and brands that also give focus on relevance and inspiration will also find success.
Good Writing will matter
As businesses move further and deeper within the social world, writing becomes as important as an online presence. In fact, writing can make one look good or bad without regard to what rank you possess – even if you are the CEO. Writing is becoming more than just proof, it becomes a necessity.
Wearable Technology will Revolutionize the Year
We have seen glimpses of wearable technology throughout the year 2014 from game consoles to wristwatches but that is only the beginning. 2015 will see more of these innovations until it will become to a point that it will be as important as smart phones and the Internet. In fact, applications for wearable technology may start surfacing as early as January.
Back to Basics
Over the year, marketers have seen a flow of change from text formats to keyword optimization just so they could see a boost in their reach to their target audience. There is nothing wrong with that, however, you may want to rethink your strategy over in 2015 as it will require many marketers to go back to their roots. Go back and re-evaluate your target audience and see what works, what doesn’t and what will make things better.
Less Demand on Creation; More Focus on Experience
We won’t lie – this has been making itself known in small glimpses throughout 2014 and by 2015 it will become more than just glimpses. Consumers are becoming smarter asking for products that will actually satisfy their needs and be worth their money and will ignore bad copy-cats or bad brands all together. They are looking for the best experience their budgeted money can buy and it’s high time that marketers should focus on that.
Humor Will Sell
Aside from being an empathic brand, there is no denying that humor will increase appeal to a brand. Take Ellen for example, people love her for putting humor in the simplest of moments. Humor makes this shine and it is gold to the consumer’s eye.
Visuals, visuals, visuals…
There’s been an increasing trend on visual content over the past year and it won’t tide down on 2015. In fact, the demand for it will be greater. From infographics to videos, consumers are becoming more attracted to visual aided products as it is a breath of fresh air from text heavy posts thus resulting to higher engagement. Don’t scrimp up on that.
Never Underestimate the Power of Good Coding
Aside from content, the brands with coding that caters to not just user experience but also friendliness will find a success. Always remember that a properly coded website can affect, optimize and enhance even the lowliest of brands.
Mobile is the New Frontline
This is not a new thing but it’s never too late right? Majority of users are on their mobile phones now, from communicating to shopping, so it is highly important to optimize your brand to be also mobile-friendly.
Following the consumer experience from end to end
Given that we have previously mentioned that consumer experience is important in any brand, enabling consumer feedback and implementing solutions based on feedback will help greatly in the improvement and look of your entire product. Keep an open mind!