The world is changing, and fast. Most businesses are now turning to digital marketing and digital PR as their primary form of outreach, and those that haven’t yet made the shift are sure to do so soon. At the same time, the market can seem crowded, and it can be difficult for brands to stand out from the sea of competitors in the global social media landscape.
For brands determined to grow in 2020, attracting target audiences—and converting them into loyal, long-time customers—must be made a top priority. Here are three digital marketing strategies to attract and retain new customers in 2020.
1. Use live video
Video is one of the fastest growing forms of content on social media, and for good reason—according to one study, video can generate up to 1,200 percent more engagement than images and text.
Still, even this form of content is rapidly evolving, and audiences are increasingly more interested in live video than they are in pre-recorded videos. Part of this is because audiences are now made to feel a part of the process: watching a live video means audiences can respond and communicate with the brand in real-time. A pre-recorded video just doesn’t offer the same feeling of interaction.
Using live video is a great way for brands to capture the attention of audiences, and retain long-time engagement.
2. Utilize AI-based chatbots
It goes without saying that the modern era is defined by the rapid automation of services across all industries. In the last decade, this automation has included the adoption of artificial intelligence technology in the form of voice search, targeted advertising and chatbots.
Brands open to adopting chatbot services as a part of their customer service experience can boost the conversion of potential shoppers into long-time customers by reducing response times to basic questions. Be aware, however, that AI cannot (yet) replace the personability of human communicators, and should not be relied on too heavily.
3. Boost visibility
A vital factor in attracting and retaining customers is to boost the overall visibility of a brand on social media and other digital platforms; internet and social media users should easily stumble upon a brand through a combination of SEO, advertising and a complete online brand profile.
Brands should prioritize development and innovation on their social media platforms. After all, a social media profile is effectively the “face” of a business, just as it is for people. By encouraging user-generated content (UGC), sharing reviews and feedback where potential customers can see them, and engaging with existing audiences regularly and in a variety of forms, brands can ensure they are maximizing their online visibility where it matters.
Ultimately, the world of digital marketing is a dynamic industry, and trends and techniques can appear to evolve on a daily basis. At the same time, customers get bored of the same strategies when used too often. Growth in 2020 cannot be achieved without adapting to these trends and techniques, and boosting brand value and reputation in the process.