Marketing has undergone significant changes in the past six years, with the rise of social media, the increasing importance of customer experience, and the proliferation of data and analytics.
In this publication, we will explore some of the key marketing trends that have emerged between 2015 and 2021.
1. Social media marketing
Social media has become an essential part of the marketing mix for many businesses. In 2015, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram had already gained significant traction, but in the past six years, their influence has only continued to grow.
Today, businesses of all sizes use social media to reach and engage with their target audience. In addition to traditional advertising, businesses are using social media for content marketing, customer service, and to build brand awareness and loyalty.
Digital marketing has come a long way since the early days of the internet, and social media has played a major role in its evolution.
In the beginning, businesses used social media as a way to connect with customers and build brand awareness. This was often done through simple tactics such as posting updates and responding to comments on platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
As social media platforms grew in popularity, businesses began to use them for more targeted marketing efforts. This included creating paid advertisements that could be targeted to specific demographics and interests.
Additionally, businesses started using social media analytics tools to track the success of their campaigns and gain insights into their target audience.
Over time, social media has become an essential component of any digital marketing strategy. Today, businesses use a variety of tactics to reach and engage with their audience on social media, including influencer marketing, live streaming, and social media contests.
As technology has continued to advance, social media has also become a valuable source of customer data and insights.
Businesses can use this data to personalize their marketing efforts and better understand the needs and preferences of their audience.
In conclusion, the evolution of digital marketing with regards to social media has seen a shift from simple brand awareness efforts to more targeted and data-driven strategies that seek to engage and convert customers.
2. Customer experience
In the past six years, there has been a shift towards a customer-centric approach to marketing. Companies are increasingly focusing on providing a seamless and personalized customer experience across all touch points, from the initial point of contact to post-purchase follow-up.
This trend has been driven by the proliferation of customer data and the rise of marketing technologies such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems and marketing automation platforms.
These tools allow businesses to collect and analyze customer data, enabling them to deliver personalized and relevant messaging and experiences.
3. Data and analytics
The explosion of data and the availability of sophisticated analytics tools have transformed the way businesses approach marketing.
Marketers now have access to vast amounts of data on customer behavior, preferences, and interactions, which they can use to make data-driven decisions and optimize their marketing efforts.
In the past six years, we have seen the rise of marketing technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, which allow businesses to analyze and interpret large amounts of data in real-time.
This has enabled marketers to gain a deeper understanding of their target audience and deliver more targeted and effective marketing campaigns.
4. Content marketing
Content marketing has become an essential part of the marketing mix for many businesses. In the past six years, we have seen a shift towards content that is educational, informative, and entertaining, as opposed to purely promotional.
Businesses are using content marketing to build brand awareness, establish thought leadership, and drive traffic and leads.
In addition to traditional written content, such as blog posts and articles, businesses are also using video, podcasts, and social media to distribute their content.
5. Influencer marketing
Influencer marketing, in which businesses partner with social media influencers to promote their products or services, has become a popular marketing tactic in the past six years. Influencers have a large and engaged following on social media, and partnering with them can help businesses reach a new audience and build credibility.
However, influencer marketing has also faced criticism, with concerns around authenticity and transparency.
In recent years, there has been an emphasis on working with authentic and genuine influencers, and on clearly disclosing sponsored content.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the past six years have seen significant changes in the world of marketing, with the rise of social media, the increasing importance of customer experience, and the proliferation of data and analytics.
These trends will continue to evolve and shape the way businesses approach marketing in the coming years.