Think back to January of last year. What were you watching? How were you communicating? What were your struggles when it came to reaching your target audience? Now think about your life today. To say the digital landscape has changed drastically is an understatement. But it can be difficult to articulate exactly what’s changed and what a global shift means for your business and digital strategy.

So now that 2020 has fundamentally impacted our behaviors, attitudes, and lifestyles as both consumers and human beings, how will digital marketing change in 2021?

From viewership trends to our new virtual reality, here’s a recap of everything 2020 gave us and a breakdown of where we’re headed in 2021. While this past year has been a wild ride filled with dramatic ups and downs, it’s an exciting time for digital marketing strategy. The only question is whether you’re prepared to dive in and embrace a new (marketing) world.

What’s Different?

Influencers Are The New Celebrity…and live-streams are the new commercial. Effective marketing means meeting people where they are. And for the past year and likely the next six months, people are in their living rooms. While influencers have been rising in influence over the past few years, because mass audiences are now able to connect with influencers during school, work, and what would otherwise be an hour-long commute.

And because influencers often feel more relatable than traditional A-list celebs, they’re a bit easier to trust. It’s also easier to turn to influencers in times of boredom and loneliness. Part of influencers’ appeal is the feeling that these digital personalities are an “in-real-life” friend.

Now enter live-streams. No longer reserved for Facebook, brands are using social media to spread messages throughout their networks. Why? Consumers want a personalized and intimate message. And nothing feels more intimate than a chat or video streamed in real-time.

So don’t just pre-record. Speak to your consumers with live messaging.

Your Brand Is Your Website

So how exactly can a website help your businesses?  It’s simple, if you’re serious about growing on the web, you need a high converting website. Websites improve authenticity, broaden customer reach, and ensure businesses stay competitive in a crowded marketplace. High converting websites are not only beneficial, but integral in connecting your existing and future customers to your message.

Your site is a reflection of your business and for many prospects, if you don’t have one, you don’t have a business. It is well known that great online experiences lead to store visits, purchases, and booked appointments. What does this mean? Consumers prefer to vet your business online before taking the time to connect. Provide your potential customers’ peace of mind with a strong online presence.

E-Commerce Trumps In-Store

Although online shopping has been on the uptick for several years now, no one could have prepared Amazon and eBay for the necessity of e-commerce when coronavirus hit. And while quarantine may not last forever, that doesn’t mean shoppers will put newfound habits aside. After a taste of the convenience, you would think many don’t plan on returning to in-store retailers even after it’s safe to do so. To give you an idea, e-commerce currently accounts for over 10% of all retail sales and many predict this number will hit 20% in 2023.

So what does this mean for marketers? It means drive messaging to your online store like never before and reconsider your advertising budget for online retailers. Many brick and mortar stores are rethinking their online channel and there are no signs of the digital sales boom slowing in 2021.

Where Are We Going?

Alongside online retailers, podcasts are having a moment. Having sprung into popularity several years ago, the unique world events of 2020 have only elevated consumers’ love (and need) for audible storytelling. From brands releasing their own podcasts to voice tweets, consumers are listening more than ever before. Not to mention, about half of consumers now use voice technology for general search inquiries. Smart devices from Google (Home) and Amazon (Alexa) have become not only mainstream, but essential items for a quarantined lifestyle. Moral of the story? Adopt a voice-driven strategy to reach countless listening ears.

Today more than ever businesses are in a great position to spread their message and grow their brand online. From instructional videos to engaging blog posts, your audience is eager to consume your message. A solid content marketing strategy is a must and in many cases an easy win for capturing incremental consumers for your product or service.

Because of an unprecedented 2020, our habits as professionals, business owners, and individuals have shifted just as quickly as have our habits as consumers. But the real question is whether you’re ready to tackle 2021 with the new landscape upon you. So say goodbye to marketing best practices and say hello to an ever-evolving world and a new digital audience.

A bit about us – Web Fox Marketing is a website agency in Livonia, Michigan SEO and digital advertising specialists. We work with our surrounding community near Livonia, Novi, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, Southfield and beyond. On top of offering digital advertising advantages, we’re knowledgeable in search-engine ranking advantages , Google Ads marketing (Pay Per Click), Search Engine Optimization solutions, social media marketing, and much more!

Your web site most certainly is just the beginning, as online success through-out our digital markets relies on on local prominence & increased visibility to many marketing channels. Our Michigan lead generation company is more than glad to assist you with any questions you may have. Contact us now and let’s kick-start creating your next web project!

On a final note, as you might have guessed, Google has great resources that can help your business, and how to build your online advertising strategy. Check out Google Search Central here.