Emerging marketing strategies and cutting-edge marketing tools are developing and changing so quickly that it's impossible to keep up. Many small and local businesses are waiting for the dust to settle before taking a decisive step in embracing new technologies. But that overly cautious approach is a mistake, as it can leave you far behind your competitors. Instead, incorporate emerging marketing strategies that have already proven their viability and sticking power. Consider the power of these low-risk marketing technology trends:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
AI and ML are already well-entrenched aspects of marketing technology trends, from customer-facing tools to internal analytics dashboards. In fact, it's harder to find marketing platforms that don't offer some degree of AI than to find ones that do. Rather than pushing out the adoption of AI tools to a far-off timeline, start using AI and ML today. Some of the most common applications in small and medium-sized businesses include:
- Analyzing customer data and business trends to get clear insights
- Better predictive analytics and forecasts
- Using AI to personalize customer experiences (through email marketing, product recommendations, personalized communications, and so on)
- Developing a chatbot with instant, helpful answers
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Many businesses have been using AR and VR for years, and it's quickly becoming a key differentiator for online shoppers. It's impossible to try on online products or see how products fit into a space or routine. Customers have "fixed" this problem by ordering products, even multiples of products in different sizes or colors, and then returning the ones that aren't a good fit. But this hurts businesses and leads to a dissatisfying experience.
You can fix this problem for real by offering augmented sales tools in which customers can try on products, create custom products, and view products against the backdrop of their homes. Customers can purchase with more confidence, and you must deal with fewer returns. You can even create bonus experiences with AR-enhanced packaging and product inserts.
Voice Search Optimization
Voice search is quickly gaining popularity. Consumers have used Alexa, Siri, and voice search-enabled devices for years, and it's becoming even more commonplace for users who don't want to stop and type in queries. But the problem is that most of the content SMBs carefully create for traditional searches don't align well with voice search.
Actively take steps to refresh your content and make it easier to access and enjoy through voice search. This is a great strategy for businesses that don't want to invest in completely new platforms, as it's all about cleaning up your content and expanding into new marketing channels.
Influencer Marketing 2.0
Influencer marketing is effective, but it can be hard to break into. If you have a small or local business, these challenges are compounded by two things:
- Big-name influencers may be outside your budget.
- Their target markets may be too big or too generalized to really serve your company's needs.
That's where micro and nano influencers come in. These smaller influencers have a loyal and very specific audience, and they have a lot of influence within a tightly contained space. This is a much better fit for small businesses that need that influence for a niche target market or specific geographic radius.
But it also introduces a challenge: how do you find those influencers? Marketing agencies can help; for example, we can help you network with local broadcasters and on-air influencers so you reach local audiences. AI tools can also help you search for micro influencers based on theme, demographics, area, reliability, and other factors.
Creating Immersive Audio Branding
Audio branding is just as important as visual branding. Invest time and resources into developing a distinctive sonic identity, so you can set your brand apart in a crowded market. From memorable jingles to sound effects and powerful brand messages designed to reach your target audience, there are many ways to reinforce brand recall and foster emotional connections.
Mid-West Family can be your partner in creating audio branding opportunities. We provide broadcast radio, podcast studio sessions, and streaming services, so you can connect with local audiences and get your brand in front of more people. Not sure how to approach audio branding? Mid-West Family can assist. We can package your message, your service, and your story into the marketing equivalent of an earworm, so potential customers will connect with your brand in powerful ways.
Data Privacy and Compliance
But before you move too far forward into the future, it's important to develop robust data privacy practices. If you're collecting customer data or simply data from online traffic, there are dozens of regulations and rules designed to protect consumers. Invest in third-party services and cybersecurity platforms that help you comply with GDPR and CCPA regulations. Not only does this protect your business, but it also protects your customers. More and more consumers are becoming security-conscious, and being known as a safe brand is well worth the investment.
Customer Data Platforms (CDPs)
Customer data platforms are cutting-edge marketing platforms that can pull data together from multiple sources, such as your email marketing tools, your website analytics, and even customer interactions. This gives you a holistic view of each customer and overall customer trends. You can see how your target markets respond throughout every phase of the marketing process—and even how they're likely to respond to future campaigns or products.
Stay on Top of These Marketing Technologies to Grow Your Business
Stay on top of marketing technology trends instead of waiting for the dust to settle. By adopting cutting-edge marketing tools in areas where you already know the trends are effective and profitable, you can grow your business and avoid many of the risks of early adoption.
At Mid-West Family South Bend, we're here to help you navigate that path with personalized advice, industry insights, and access to more aspects of the digital marketplace. Start by scheduling a consultation and seeing which emerging marketing strategies are the right fit for your business's future.
