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There have been a lot of changes to various aspects of businesses in the last years, and the coming year is no different.

In 2022, businesses can expect to change marketing trends as consumer tastes and behaviours continue to evolve. Your business would not want to miss out on these trends’ advantages. So, what can various marketing departments expect to see in 2022? Here are some of the top marketing trends you should adopt in 2022.

1. A hybrid future

The recent pandemic brought about the issue of limited in-person transactions and online solutions. As a result, virtual events have become a mainstay in marketing for interacting with customers and growing leads as people spend time on social media and other digital platforms. This has further led to leaving businesses and customers with two problems: the need to conduct business physically and the need to offer the benefits of online interactions. Hybrid events will be a go-to for most businesses as they look to satisfy customers who prefer both in-person and virtual events. By offering hybrid solutions, businesses can appeal to customers on both sides of the coin.

2. Increase in digital events

With the pandemic outbreak, businesses went online. Although gradually, customers have come to like the flexibility these online solutions offer. Events such as online product launches streaming, webinars, and workshops were presented online. This trend is expected to stay in the coming year. Online events are comparatively budget-friendly and offer an excellent way to market your brand to existing and potential new clients. Take the time to check out weandgoliath.com for inspiration and support in this area. In 2022, more brands will participate in online events to gather data on their targeted audience to build profiles for direct selling. This will remove the need to rely on third-party data for forging stronger ties with your customer.

3. Content alignment will be crucial

Brands will have to align their PR, SEO and thought leadership to own their industry. Your business can easily stand out if you can align the need for visibility overlapping, credibility and authority. However, this will require some content sourcing on your website and other platforms like social or sister websites. After building a solid base on the various topics, you can now work to build the added credibility and PR as more people mention and quote you. At this point, it is essential to have people link to the content you own under certain topics.

4. Power of micro-influencers

Pieces of research suggest that influencers will remain a key component in marketing strategies and that 2022 won’t see its end. Meanwhile, marketing experts have estimated that influencer marketing will reach approximately 73% in 2022. Despite this, macro-influencers may be pricey for brands, and many consumers will begin to see them as advertisers instead of reliable information sources. As a result, trends will shift more towards micro-influencers with a small yet loyal audience. According to 2021 statistics, 91% of sponsored content engagements were created by micro-influencers as they remain a key brand choice for collaboration.

5. Innovative brand awareness strategies

Today, brand image is everything, and you want to create a solid image by choosing the right message and communication method. It can be helpful to focus on a “word-of-mouth” strategy to reach a wider range of potential customers in a short period. You can do this by showcasing your excellent reviews from existing customers. You can also do this by giving your existing customers a service worth talking about!

Although digital advertising such as Google Ads has effectively showcased a business’s brand image in 2021, there are likely to be some changes next year. Rates for promoting and advertising are said to increase. This would mean businesses would have to take a more innovative approach to increase brand awareness. Your business can benefit from organically improving your brand awareness by offering long-term value to your audience. It can be a weekly podcast, video tutorials or online content that educates and adds value to your audience.

6. Personalisation

From online articles to videos and podcasts, 2022 will see more channels for customers to consume content. Brands will use a variety of ways to communicate their message and engage with customers. Yet, to find the right communication channel, it is essential to understand which channels your targeted audience use and be present there. Although it can be tempting to want to be on various channels with a personalised message to reach respective consumer groups, it is best to focus on a more appealing channel.

7. Giving back would be essential

Many consumers will look to engage with brands that offer to give something back. Your business can give back in several ways. You can consider giving back to your customers for their loyalty. Depending on your business, you can consider giving your customers perks just for choosing you. For example, bookkeepers tend to give free bets for various wagers. If your business is in retail, you can consider offering loyal customers exclusive discounts and services.

Another form of giving back that is expected to trend in marketing campaigns next year is that of charitable work. You can consider reaching out to a local charity, supporting a cause, or collaborating with small businesses.

Giving back is an excellent marketing strategy as it creates a great win-win situation. You get to increase your brand awareness, retain customers, and impact your community. 

8. Be a storyteller

2022 will see many brands embracing storytelling to deliver their products and services in a way that appeals to their targeted audience. Currently, customers prefer to hear a story about how your brand or product offered a solution to a problem rather than how fantastic your products and services are. However, several businesses continue to use fancy words to sell their products, although they fail to show how beneficial the product is in real-life. To tell your story the right way, showcase how your product helped solve a problem, increase productivity, help clients and other businesses in their delivery. Storytelling won’t directly sell your products but can convince customers to try them.

The business space is constantly evolving. Knowing the upcoming trends puts you in a position to allow your business to grow by adapting them on time. So, be sure to use these trends to ensure your business experiences success in the next year.

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