New Year. New Resolutions. New Consumer Marketing Trends.
Social Media – What is the right balance?
In 2014, consumers will be in search of the realistic balance between social media channels and the “real world”. The trend will be toward establishing or re-establishing real human connection with products, people and services. Therefore, the successful marketer will be those that succeed in fostering and maintaining new relationships with their customers past, present and future.
Influencers
With social media continuing to be on the rise and becoming very mainstream as consumers become more savvy everyday, a marketer’s job will be even more challenging in 2014. This is a year of huge opportunity to leverage those that have the most influence on your brand, product or service. Agencies and brands alike should consider dedicated teams of people working on the social media outreach with a more personal touch. Savvy marketers are going back to the traditional ways of hand-written correspondence, “thank you” notes, personal gift and more. Abe smart, be strategic but be personal – think of those special touches to build relationships and foster continued involvement with those key influencers of 2014.
Close To Home
Many shoppers are looking to experience locally produce and/or homegrown products or services. The trend to supporting the small business or the “little guy” might be in part due to lack of confidence and trust in large corporations. Never fear larger brands – all brands large or small can address this trend by finding ways to support local causes and the community. Consumers want to feel good about what they are buying or supporting and this trend is on the rise for 2014.
“Always-On” Commerce
This trend is directly a result of consumers having 24/7 access to laptops, smartphones, tablets, smart watches and more. Purchasing what they want and when they want it is more prevalent than ever and on the rise. Brands must respond to this trend by strategically thinking in a very targeted, efficient manner, which in turn will be more profitable from both an expenditure and sales POV. Connectivity is key and targeting will need to be personal with both messaging and outreach.
