Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, it has become more critical than ever before for businesses to dive into digital marketing. With 97% of consumers worldwide shifting to online platforms to buy and search for products online, it has become necessary for companies to be found on the internet. Companies must find a way to attract maximum potential customers and engage with them in 2021.
Digital marketing is one area of the business world that is ever-evolving. Therefore, if you want your business to thrive this year, you must stay ahead of the competition and be aware of the latest online marketing trends in 2021.
Below we mention three digital marketing trends that will give you a head-start over your competition. Consider these trends while outlining your marketing strategy this year.
Develop Interactive Content
Interactive content has been around for many years, but only recently has it been recognized as the best practice in digital marketing. This is because algorithms of some of the most popular online platforms have changed to prioritize posts with more engagement. Interactive content not only promotes engagement but also increases user enjoyment.
This is why content like quizzes, open-ended questions, polls, giveaways, and more receive the most traffic and engagement on social media posts and do wonders for the business. Moreover, they increase the amount of time the user spends engaging with your brand, which can help you stand out better in algorithm-based feeds and searches.
Interactive content can help you:
- Engage with your customers and clients
- Personalize your brand for your buyers
- Collect data on user preferences
- Increase user experience
Focus On “No-Click” Searches Or Featured Snippets
For many years now, the goal of SEO has been to get your brand to the top of search results pages. Now, in 2021, the goal has shifted to more SEO visibility in position zero. Position zero refers to the featured snippet block at the top of Google search result pages that delivers “quick answers” to users’ queries. In 2021, you’ll see SEO marketing prioritizing this feature above all else.
Featured snippets are located at the top of Google’s first result page and are separated from other search results entries by a small box. These snippets also offer relevant information, in the form of steps or points, to the user’s query and answer their question without them needing to click on it and visit the website. Hence prompting the nickname “no-click search.”
Although it does sound a bit absurd that you’re letting people go without clicking on your website, the recognition you get as a result surpasses the benefits of a single click/visit. Moreover, featured snippets are read aloud by Google assistant voice searches.
Local SEO
Google frequently updates its local SEO algorithm, which is far more powerful than broad SEO, which uses keywords to grab peoples’ attention. Local SEO includes local searches, where people are looking for a specific type of business within their geographic location. Such people have more intent of purchasing an item, and hence it is easier to convert them.
You can set your local SEO by signing up with Google My Business (GMB) then claiming your listings or creating a new one. GMB helps you rank better in Google SERPS and give you a chance to offer additional information about your company to local online searches, such as your business timings, contact information, and Google ratings.
To further optimize your local SEO, incorporate local keywords such as your city or town name and other related keywords. For example, if your location has a famous landmark nearby, use its name once or twice to grab consumers’ attention. Here is how you can improve your GMB listing.
For more information on digital marketing trends for 2021, visit our website, or contact us here.