2018 is set to be an exciting year for B2C marketing, with numerous trends ready to emerge that will shape the next wave of customer engagement. From novel algorithms improving advertising effectiveness and a shift towards emotionally-driven campaigns, companies must stay abreast of these new developments if they want to remain competitive in this ever-evolving landscape. In this blog post, we examine what lies ahead - uncovering the top B2C marketing trends you can expect in 2018!
Personalization
It's no secret that consumers are demanding personalized experiences from their favorite brands. In 2018, we can expect this trend to continue as companies invest in state-of-the-art technologies such as AI and machine learning so they can provide customers with unique content and offers tailored specifically for them. This way, every digital interaction is sure to be a relevant one.
Video Marketing
In the ever-changing world of marketing, video content is becoming an indispensable asset for brands that want to maintain a competitive edge. As more and more consumers turn away from traditional advertising methods in favor of mobile devices, those companies who can craft powerful visuals – tailored specifically to their target market – are poised to soar above the competition this year.
Mobile Optimization
With the explosion of mobile users, it's no surprise that B2C marketers have been keeping their eyes peeled for ways to modernize and optimize customers' experiences. This year looks to be a time full of opportunities, as brands that provide an effortless transition from research or browsing on phones into checkout will reap major benefits in the highly competitive marketplace.
Social Media Influencer Marketing
It seems like the power of influencers is only growing, and in 2018, we'll see brands embracing this trend more than ever before. Rather than limited campaigns with individual influencers, big-name companies are investing in long-term relationships to tap into popular social media figures to reach new audiences and boost brand awareness. This shift suggests that these partnerships will become a key component of marketing strategies over the next year.
Chatbots and AI
As businesses recognize the potential of high-tech tools, more and more brands are turning to AI-powered chatbots for increased customer satisfaction. In 2018, we'll see companies investing in this cutting-edge technology to provide personalized experiences that cater specifically to their customers' needs while also making marketing operations faster and smoother than ever before.
Interactive Content
As technology advances, so does the way audiences interact with their favorite brands. 2018 promises to bring more creative opportunities for customers to engage and participate through quizzes, polls, and surveys—all while creating unique experiences they won't soon forget.
Voice Search Optimization
Voice search is revolutionizing the way consumers interact with brands. As more people adopt voice-enabled devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home, it's essential for B2C marketers to leverage this technology by optimizing their content for these types of searches in order to raise brand awareness and capture a larger consumer base. By taking advantage of this booming market trend, businesses can stay ahead of the competition and increase their visibility across multiple platforms.
Brand Purpose and Social Responsibility
In 2018, brands are looking for a higher calling in order to attract and maintain loyal customers. Companies will be investing significantly in purpose-driven marketing campaigns as well as projects that promote social responsibility, creating an atmosphere of meaningful change while standing out from the crowd.
2018 is set to be a pivotal year for B2C marketing, with personalization, video content, and mobile optimization at the forefront of trends. To truly stand out amongst competition this upcoming year, brands should strive to create engaging experiences through social media influencer campaigns that appeal on an emotional level while still being optimized for voice search capabilities. And in terms of purpose-driven business models, expect brand social responsibility initiatives to rise as we progress.