Digital Marketing Trends to Look Out for in 2016
2016 is right around the corner, so we’ve put together a preview of some digital marketing trends sure to surface in the new year. Here are our predictions:
“Mobilegeddon” will obliterate desktop.
According to Google, mobile traffic has overtaken desktop traffic in 10 different countries. The release of “mobilegeddon” earlier this year further supports this trend, as the update is gradually getting rid of sites that are not mobile friendly. Look out if you don’t have a mobile friendly site yet because you might just get thrown out by the mobile apocalypse! Okay, maybe we’re over-exaggerating, but mobile friendly sites are taking over and it’s extremely important for companies who are looking to optimize their customer reach to get on board.
Virtual reality may not be the next step.
Although Oculus Rift’s release in the first quarter of 2016 is all the rage, virtual reality might not be the best option for marketers who are looking for innovative ways to attract consumers. So what is? Augmented reality, or the integration of digital info with live video, has been on the rise through the use of social media apps such as Snapchat. Consumers want to interact with brands, not just read about them or look at pictures of them. By using augmented reality, marketers can effectively implement techniques on top of their pre-existing marketing efforts. Not to mention it’s cheaper, has a higher return on investment and gets people talking about the brand.
Marketers will capitalize on location-based marketing.
With the rising use of mobile apps, marketers can further engage consumers by using their location. Most of us have forgotten our keys or purses at home, but few of us would dare abandon our phones. Mobile devices have become an extension of almost every consumer, which gives marketers a way of always being in contact with members of their target audience. By using a consumer’s location, marketers can reach their demographic with tailored, personalized messages. All in all, location-based marketing will be a great way to engage consumers and build brand influence in 2016.
Ephemeral marketing strategies will take hold.
Snapchat blew up in 2015. With over 6 billion daily video views, the platform has taken hold of millennials with it’s time-sensitive, attention-grabbing interface. When a message is clever and concise, consumers are intrigued and tend to see the information or product as more valuable. Which is why in 2016, marketers need to follow Snapchat’s example and focus on implementing ephemeral marketing campaigns.