Here are four things to watch in the coming year, according to a recent article from Smart Brief.
- Consumer behavior has changed and reset. COVID-19 has had a profound impact on consumer behavior. Marketers will adapt short- and long-term messaging as well as products. Brands will likely conduct extensive research to better understand the pandemic’s impact on employees, customers and industry. These learnings will shape 2021 strategies.
- Embrace the digital transformation. Many firms have focused on “digital transformation” since early this year and are migrating to digital platforms, “including e-commerce, chatbots, email, apps, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, omnichannel marketing and augmented and virtual reality.”
- A focus on social, environmental and ethical responsibility. This year saw massive protests over racial inequality. This influenced the content strategy at many firms. In 2021, many firms will continue to “clean up business practices and adjust messaging to appeal to enlightened consumers who care deeply about a company’s purpose and commitment to social and environmental sustainability.”
- Influencer marketing to grow increasingly important. The pandemic has amplified the impact of influencers. Social media use grew dramatically during the pandemic as well. This is likely to be a long-lasting trend. There is plenty of opportunity for brands to make good use of social media influencers.