As the year draws to a close and we start to think about our plans for the New Year, take some time out to review the year that’s gone.
By taking a critical eye on your marketing activities over the past year, and really drilling down into what worked and what didn’t, you will be better able to drive business growth in 2018.
If, at this point of the year, you haven’t seen your marketing activity paying dividends, then there’s no better time to change. And if it has worked, then why not look to make a step-change and make it work even harder for you in the New Year.
Did you know that in 2017 every minute there are 4.1 million videos viewed on Youtube, 1.8 million Snaps are created, and 15,000 GIFs are sent via Messenger?
And that’s just the start of it. The numbers will only get bigger and cutting through the noise and reaching consumers will only get harder?
So where do you start?
Keeping ahead of the competition has never been harder, but we and our partners Milwaukee SEO company hope these tips will help you to move into 2018 prepared to up the ante and make your marketing deliver for your business.
- Mobile optimize or die
On-the-go and always connected. Today’s consumer doesn’t have the patience to deal with a website that isn’t optimized for mobile use. This isn’t just down to keeping your visitors happy, but also has an impact on your Google rankings. From silver surfer to millenials accessing the internet is mostly happening on a mobile device and they won’t wait for you.
- Content is king
Invest in user-generated campaign’s that showcase your brand and encourage loyalty and sharing on social media. This is especially important on social media where people are more likely to trust and follow the choices of people who they know. User-generated content, like our Mirror Photo booth images, can be used to increase user engagement and visibility as well as create a positive perception to a wider audience.
- Events aren’t just events
Don’t simply plan an event, work to create an immersive experience that attendees feel they must share online. Rather than thinking of an event as a stand-alone activity use it as a tool to start a conversation, create content and engage guests in an immersive brand experience that they will never forget.
Incorporate video
Video is one of the most powerful tools we have in our arsenal and allows us to connect on a different level with audiences. Live-streaming is an emerging trend that is quickly being adopted and leveraged for success.
Live streaming works because of its transparency and directness. People engage with it because it is real and gives them access to what is going on behind the scenes. Instagram’s integration of a live stream option into it’s Stories and Facebook Live – which will allow anyone to create content, from anywhere – including you and your business – has changed the game and you should utilise these tools in 2018.
- Make it personal
Offering a personalised experience will be even more in 2018 as consumers demand more and more from brands. Tailoring experiences for customers and offering them “unique” content based on their preferences and habits is a must if you want to connect. In such a busy world of messages, news and noise, by keeping it personal your brand will stand out.
And last but not least…
Measure and assess all your activities. Look for return on investment through subscription sign-ups, downloads and purchases that you can attribute to your marketing activities.
Technology, especially digital technology is changing the way we engage as individuals and businesses. With the right planning, you could take your business to the next level and engage and reach new and current customers in a more creative and meaningful way.
If you want to discuss taking your marketing to the next level in 2018, contact our creative team for ideas and inspiration today.