Throughout the rise of COVID-19 and the global health crises, the way businesses operated had to change completely, including revamping the importance of a digital marketing strategy. We’re seeing industries splitting into two distinct categories: those who are overwhelmed with orders (think: grocery, food delivery, goods manufacturers) and those lacking (restaurants, dine-in, furniture, luxury items, hospitality, and event industries). There are several COVID-19 marketing trends that have changed digital marketing and will have lasting effects throughout 2021.
Some of these key trends are just reaching their stride and still have quite the trajectory ahead of them. The radical change of delivery options and major growth from digital companies has forever changed the marketing landscape, and all companies have to be on board with implementing digital strategies into their marketing.
More Digital Touchpoints Along the Buyer’s Journey
More than ever, customers utilise digital tools for their discovery and evaluation journey through your company’s sales funnel. Does your website have up-to-date information about all of your products?
Brainstorm ways you can improve the digital experience of your buyer’s journey. It can be updating your website to take online payments, make appointments online, or implement an online chat communication for your customer service office.
Make sure your website is mobile-friendly! Customers are more often on their phones, and mobile shopping has increased.
More E-commerce Platforms Attracting Investment
Businesses saw a huge increase in online sales in 2020, and this trend will continue throughout 2021. Amazon says they expect a permanent shift toward online sales. Companies are putting more money into online advertising, including SEO and content marketing, which puts them ahead of the game.
If you haven’t already, make sure you can sell your product/services online via e-commerce. Don’t underestimate the power of content marketing for your business.
Staying Connected With Customers Without Face-to-Face Interaction
How companies and industries are able to adapt in this unknown and ever-changing climate, will set themselves apart when the pandemic is over. How have you made your customers feel that their health is your #1 priority for your industry?
Customer experience is at its all-time high for company growth and increases in sales. Review your sales funnel and see where you can add/change how you’re interacting with their customers and where you can give them greater peace of mind and security.
Be vocal with your customers and let them know how you’re keeping them safe and make it apart of your marketing plan!
Making A Post COVID-19 Plan
Now that we’re in the early months of 2021, it’s prudent to start thinking about what a post-COVID-19 marketing plan looks like. How will lower restrictions impact the operations of your business? Having a plan in place will reduce stress and relieve communication problems with your team in the future.
Hang in there – we seem to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel! Keeping these COVID-19 marketing strategies in mind can give you a leg up on your competition and predict future marketing trends.
