Companies all around the world had already been advancing in terms of technology and digitization, then came COVID-19 and pushed many companies to adapt to the changing landscape quicker than they probably would have liked.
This is especially true when looking at companies in the Arab world, who never really relied on e-commerce and the digital way of doing things prior to COVID-19. Fast forward to 2021, companies and brands now know how essential digitizing operations is – and so we’ve compiled a list of some trends you should keep in mind in 2021 – and start putting a plan to add them to your business goals if you still haven’t:
1. Human-Like Chatbots
In a world where customers demand 24/7 customer service, it is essential for companies to develop Chatbots that can chat with users in real-time. You don’t want to miss out on responding to customers’ simple inquiries because your staff is busy working on other things – or are simply getting inquiries past their working hours. Developing human-life chatbots can save you time, effort, and money!
2. Personalization
Customers constantly want to feel as though you are speaking directly to them – which is why personalized marketing is key. It is not a matter of only targeting the right people at the right time, but also giving them the content THEY want to see, the products THEY want to buy – through email marketing, social media, and other channels as well.
Generic advertising is a thing of the past, and it’s time to take your marketing efforts to the next level. And all it takes is some brainstorming, planning, and proper execution.
3. Video Marketing
4. Influencer Marketing
It’s no secret that influencer marketing is essential to any marketing strategy nowadays. It is a marketing tactic that puts heavy reliance on collaborations with popular social media individuals in relevant sectors to spread awareness, gain traction, and/or achieve other campaign objectives. Through their own social channels, influencers can help reach their own audiences by spreading the word on your business/product. People trust people – which is what makes influencer marketing so powerful!
5. Social Media Stories
The concept of “stories” on social media allows brands to keep their fans in the loop on their updates and projects. But that’s not their only purpose. Stories can also allow brands to connect with followers by offering an “insider look” into their operations, habits, and real-life encounters! They also encourage constant engagement with users – which is needed in today’s cluttered world!
6. Content Marketing
Content is still king – and it will probably always be. Content marketing not only increases your credibility in the market but also gives you a boost in terms of SEO, which in turn, leads to a boost in sales. In fact, a survey revealed that small businesses with blogs “generate 126% more leads” than those who don’t have a blog.
7. E-Commerce & Social Commerce
E-commerce is going nowhere – but it has evolved to include “social commerce” and “shoppable posts,” allowing users to browse your shop via social media. Allowing users to directly “shop” for items included in your post will also save the user the hassle of browsing your site for the item, allowing them to purchase on the spot. It’s all about enhancing the customer experience and social commerce is a big part of that!
8. Interactive Content
Whether we’re talking about 360 videos or augmented reality ads, interactive content is the key to winning your customer’s hearts (and wallets)! Not only do consumers enjoy watching interactive content, but also develop a strong attachment to the brand for simply “being cooler” than others.
9. Omnichannel Marketing
Connecting with consumers through various means is essential – and that is what omnichannel marketing is all about. It is focusing your marketing efforts across multiple platforms – from social media to email to blog to apps.
10. User-Generated Content (UGC)