5 Digital Marketing Trends You Should Know for Second Half of 2021

The digital marketing world is fast-paced and ever-changing. Before you get used to a platform, there is another one with newer features that you need to learn and master.

But the good thing is if you pay close attention and you keep an eye on what’s working, you can develop a digital marketing strategy that would help boost your brand.

Here are a few digital marketing trends to add to your arsenal – to create valuable content and use data and patterns to your benefit.

1. Live Streams & Events

The Coronavirus brought our lives to a stand still early 2020. But the aftermath of our stay at home orders has continued to this day. Most events have been cancelled, and meeting our friends and family is also a rare occurrence. This led to the rise of the livestreams. 

It is one of the most popularly used features on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube. It can also be done on video calling platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Influencers have taken to live-streams to connect with their audience, raise money for charities etc. It is the best way to experience the digital version of an event from the comfort of your home. 

2. Sustainability for Posterity

There is more pressure on brands to step up than ever before. Businesses and people in the limelight are being held accountable for their actions and associations. 81% of consumers believe that companies should actively work towards improving the environment. As the world has become more fragile, consumers are asking brands to be more purpose driven and eco-conscious. This could be in terms of promoting packaging, biodegradable, recyclable sources etc. Brands need to focus on showcasing the sustainable side of their brand in their digital marketing strategy. 

3. Goodwill and Purpose

One of the best ways to initiate positive conversation about your brand is to find a cause that speaks to you and find ways to alleviate any problems within that cause. You can do so with events, donations, awareness drives etc. Transparency is the key here. Campaigns like ‘HotelsforHeroes’ by Hilton where they donate hotel rooms for Coronavirus first responders, helps humanize the brand and helps the audience connect with them more

4. Inclusivity is a Priority

The Black Lives Matter movement has brought a bigger focus on inclusivity and diversity. One of the biggest testaments to the power of this movement is the online upsurge to change the name of the popular Indian cream company ‘Fair & Lovely,’ to ‘Glow & Lovely.’Brands that are not using models of different skin tones, skin conditions and sizes are more likely to lose customers. 41%  of consumers are more likely to shop by brands that portray their views on inclusivity and diversity, and 29% are likely to switch from brands that don’t portray their views.

5. Bite-size Content

People are loving easy-to-consume content these days. Podcasts, Instagram reels, newsletters etc are becoming a consumer favourite because it can be watched or consumed quickly or on the go. It is a more intimate way to connect with customers, by helping brands associate themselves with their audience’s interests.

2021 is Almost as Unpredictable as 2020

The pandemic has asked brands to take a long hard look at how they are presenting themselves to their audience. At a time when most people are stuck at home, you have to find authentic ways to connect with your audience. These trends will help you be where your customers are and realign your content strategy to meet your customer’s current needs.