It is an undeniable fact that technology has and is continually changing the way we do business, and has made its impact on digital marketing as well.
In fact, it has brought digital marketing a long way and its future looks bright.
However, many a time, novice marketers fail to realize just how much and how often technology is changing.
This can cost businesses as marketers have a tough time keeping up with the changing trends. This, often proves to be their biggest marketing mistake.
It doesn’t take long for a marketing strategy to become outdated. This makes it all the more important for digital marketers to stay abreast of the changes and know exactly how they will affect your business.
Some of the recent changes relate to mobile technology, big data and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Mobile technology refers to the emergence of responsive web design, which has become increasingly popular, and even necessary in the digital marketing sphere.
The shift towards small-screen optimization is already in full swing and will probably continue to evolve further.
More importantly, the ability to seamlessly move from a call to action in an email to the landing page without slow loading times or warped content is crucial.
Both, big data and IoT are extremely advantageous for marketers in terms of gathering consumer information. This data, in turn, can help them in making the necessary changes to their products, services and content and improve consumer experience.
Almost every business constantly looks for new ways to market itself in an attempt to stay ahead of the herd. And why not? It is better to gain a competitive edge and attract higher website traffic, new leads and more customers rather than plunge into the darkness of non-existence.
Wondering how you can stay up-to-date on the latest trends in digital marketing? Mentioned ahead are a few answers.
1. Dedicated Publications
Publications dedicated to digital marketing such as EConsutancy, Marketing Week, Brand Republic, Campaign are among the most reliable resources of information as far as the latest news in the digital marketing arena is concerned.
Apart from enlightening you about the latest digital technologies, they can also provide tips and advice on improving/strengthening your existing strategies.
2. Certified Courses and Training
You could try picking up certified digital marketing training and courses, through which you will be able to access several resources that should go a long way in helping you add to your knowledge, expand your skill set, know about the goings-on in this field, and forecast what’s coming.
There are several online modules you can choose from, depending on your requirements.
3. Online Marketing Print Magazines
Looking to increase your knowledge while on the move without the availability of Internet or Wi-Fi? Print magazines are your way out.
Even though the content in them may not be as updated as that on the web, it will be highly relevant to your field. It, therefore, makes perfect sense to skim through your favourite digital marketing magazine every once in a while.
4. Blogs
If you want to find expert opinion, blogs may be a good place to look. Darren Rowse and Ann Handley are the two big names to pay attention to.
You never know, following their blogs may turn you into a digital marketing expert in your own right. A few blogging platforms to explore include WordPress, Blogger, Medium and Tumblr.
5. LinkedIn
Online professional networking platform LinkedIn is a great place to connect with digital marketing experts as well as groups. Use LinkedIn Pulse to receive the type of news that is relevant to you by simply setting up with the topics, influencers and publications that interest you.
You can also find advice and recommendations from industry leaders through the LinkedIn Influencer programme.
6. Social Media
Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook are user-friendly and a great way to keep yourself up-to-date on digital marketing trends.
Both allow you to follow industry leaders and receive daily updates from them along with their thoughts and opinions on digital marketing.
By using Trending Topics on Twitter, you can stay up-to-date by using specific hashtags. Have it running in the background to ensure that you receive news in real time.
Further, use StumbleUpon, a social media channel and tool where you can read more on specific topics such as digital marketing.
7. Google Alerts
Use Google Alerts to set up email updates regarding the trends that are the most pertinent to you. They will show up in Google results if you just state your topic of interest, which could be social media, content writing or anything related to digital marketing.
You can filter these results further by region, occurrence and relevance. Similarly, you can also use the Google News feature to stay on top of digital media trends as they emerge.
8. Trade Shows and Exhibitions
Attending trade shows and event exhibitions can provide excellent opportunities to hobnob with other digital marketers.
Such platforms are helpful in deciphering the latest products and industry trends which, in turn, fine-tune your skills in digital marketing.
Conclusion
Succeeding at digital marketing has a lot to do with trying new tools, techniques and strategies. You should not hesitate about experimenting by testing something you haven’t tried yet.
If you’re borrowing another company’s strategy, bear in mind that what worked for them may not necessarily work for you; but at least you will know where you went wrong and improvise accordingly.
As technology changes, it is important that you, too update your knowledge to devise better strategies.
One of the easiest ways of doing so is via continued training. Through persistent learning, you will know of the latest digital marketing possibilities available to you, which you can employ to stay one step ahead of your competitors.