The start of a new year is the perfect time to reassess your marketing strategies and implement fresh ideas to reach new customers and grow your business.
With technology and marketing trends moving at the speed of light, it can be difficult to stay on top of the changes. As industry professionals, we know that the success of your small business relies on your ability to stay in front of – and ahead of – your audience.
To remain competitive in an unpredictable market, here are some of the most effective marketing trends you can employ to reach your target audience in 2023:
Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing grew in popularity (seemingly overnight) in 2022 — and it has a proven track record of success. According to a Strategy & Trends report from HubSpot, 89% of companies who utilize influencer marketing are currently increasing or maintaining their investments, and 17% of marketers plan to invest in it this year.
Collaborating with popular local influencers within your niche market allows you to expand your brand awareness and bring in more customers. Don’t worry — you don’t need to pay an A-list celebrity with millions of followers; there are plenty of micro-influencers who love to work with local businesses. Perform a quick social media search or use an Influencer Search Tool to find influencers in your area.
Shorter Content
90% of businesses are using short-form video. While longer videos are nice here and there, marketing professionals are learning that shorter, more impactful videos that get to the point right away are more effective for business owners who are limited on time. This kind of video content aligns well with Instagram Reels, TikTok, Snapchat and other social media platforms that are taking the world by storm.
Social Media for Customer Service
Using social media for your customer service needs is relatively new in the world of marketing, but reports are showing that more and more small businesses are using direct messages and comments to help customers with any problems or questions they have. With more social media platforms expanding their e-commerce capabilities, it only makes sense that consumers will stay on social media for customer support.
Mobile Optimization
Did you know that over half of website traffic comes from mobile devices and tablets? Now more than ever, it’s important for small businesses to make sure their websites are optimized for mobile use – and this goes deeper than just having a smaller version of your website. Fast-paced, highly connected consumers will leave your company’s website if they cannot have a smooth, error-free viewing experience. By looking at your website through a “mobile-first” lens, you can find opportunities for making the user experience more seamless on mobile devices. Don’t lose out on potential customers due to a lack of optimization!
Native Advertising
Unlike digital display ads, native advertisements match the look and feel of the channel on which they appear. For example, they may appear as an “in-feed” post on a social media platform such as Instagram or Twitter, or they could show up as a recommended listing underneath an article you just read.
Since native ads do not look or feel like traditional ads, consumers are more likely to interact with them, which puts you in front of people who would otherwise never learn about you. This is incredibly powerful for small businesses who want to subtly advertise their products or services in an effective way.
Need help putting these new marketing trends into action?
2023 is an exciting time for small businesses — especially those who pay close attention and stay on top of the latest trends to meet the needs, preferences and habits of their consumers. At Collective Alternative, we’re always asking questions and discovering comprehensive solutions for new opportunities that help local businesses prosper. Let’s schedule your strategy session today to get started.
