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As digital and content marketing dominated 2018, here are some useful thoughts for you as you plan your marketing spend for 2019/20 financial year.
While there is no doubt that all things digital and content-focused will continue to be vital, there are a few key elements which you must include in 2019.
What's trusted three times more than anything you say? Authentic user-generated content
While content marketing has led the way in 2018, web users are more and more savvy, particularly when it comes to the millennial generation. They are far more likely to believe content generated by product or service users, than that put out by the company itself.
So make sure you offer opportunities for users of your services and products, to leave comments and reviews of your business online wherever possible, and make sure you display these on your website.
A positive user review will be trusted three times more than corporate content, so make sure you don’t miss out on this vital addition to your market.
Voice Search
While marketers worth their salt are familiar with SEO and how to make sure their website appears on Google, the rise and rise of voice activated systems such as Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant, new skills will be required.
As more people use voice activated assistants to search the internet, marketers in 2019 are going to need to learn how to adapt SEO to ensure their website is the one which, say, Siri or Alexa returns with. The key issue is that a search on a computer, tablet or phone will return pages of results, whereas a voice assistant will only send back a few suggestions. How do you make sure your business is one of them?
Chatbots
Chatbots are a great way for brands to improve their customer service levels without having to spend a fortune on a customer service centre – they are able to provide data much more quickly than people and can be personalised for customers. Chatbots are also easily integrated with websites, apps and social media and can be used to gather marketing information and data.
Augmented and Virtual Reality
Both these technologies help your customer to be fully engaged with your brand and offer great chances to improve the customer experience. They can be used to raise brand awareness as well as encouraging people to buy products.
Social Media for business
It used to be that social media was just used to keep in touch with friends and family but recent years has seen a shift as it becomes a daily part of everyone’s life, providing serious business opportunities.
It’s important to know how to vary your content for all of the different platforms where your potential customers are hanging out. Social trends including video and influencers can’t be ignored if you want to succeed in modern marketing.
How can LCM help?
If you are planning your 2019 marketing strategy and would like the help of an external specialist marketing agency, please get in touch with us at LCM, and we will be happy to talk through what you are trying to achieve. We will ask you guided questions to find out if you need our kind of input, or if another route is best for you.
Telephone 01489 891870 or email info@lcm.co.uk