It’s important for your business to understand shifting consumer needs, capture new growth opportunities and post-pandemic digital trends.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of marketing growth trends, so your business can win big. These trends will show you where digital marketing is headed and how your business can capitalize on them.
Ignited nostalgia calls for retro campaigns
Nostalgia for yester-year has ignited people to seek the comfort of the familiar in these tumultuous times. Tamagotchi’s have made a comeback, Oreo’s launched a limited-edition packaging allowing you to create your own mixtape, ABBA announced its first studio album in 40 years and a lot more brands are indulging in nostalgia with their campaigns!
According to Brandwatch, the mention volume of the words “nostalgia” and “nostalgic” is much higher now compared to pre-pandemic times.
Identify the exact themes your audience will connect with to hit the nostalgia jackpot in your next marketing campaign. Understating your audience intimately and identifying their different personas achieves this. Move swiftly though, trends are changing quickly.
Scepticism in online shopping demands user-generated content (UGC)
The growth in online shopping as a result of the pandemic, has marked an increase in scepticism, leading consumers to be belief-driven and seek authenticity from brands. Reports by Morning Consult found Gen Z and Millennials to be less trusting of the average brand. A survey by Stackla revealed only 19% of consumers find brand-created content authentic; 56% revealed they’re more influenced by social media posts when online shopping compared to pre-pandemic times.
Your community is vital to building a strong UGC strategy. Be interactive and encourage UGC for your business, and you will inspire more.
The future is hybrid
The impacts of the virtual on the physical have identified great signs of growth as a result of the pandemic. Reports show both businesses and consumers experienced five years’ worth of digital adoption progress in just eight weeks in the beginning of the pandemic.
The amalgamation of physical and digital is here to stay, with major companies like Facebook backing the trend. Further surveys reveal 73% of event planners expect hybrid events to be more common in the future.
The current marketing landscape demands innovation and testing. Whether it be a digitally immersive retail store, a hybrid event, or something as simple as an Instagram filter, your business must embrace the innovation mindset to stand out. However, ensure you choose the right tech based on what will engage your customers.
Niche communities rise to build connections
As people crave more meaningful social interactions, we see a shift from macro to micro-communities on every social platform. Studies found over half of Facebook users are members of five or more active groups with 98% of people who belong to an online group saying they feel a sense of belonging.
As a brand it’s important you identify who you want to reach and where. Once you know, take the steps to create an online community on Facebook Groups, Slack Channels, Discord Servers or much more where your audience can share their bond.
Alternatively, you can establish your brand’s presence in an existing online community. Consider running ads in accepting communities, or, simply ensure you’re adding value to the community when posting.
Now that you know which post-pandemic digital trends are hot to dominate, make the shift to capture these growth opportunities! If you don’t, your competitors will!
