ID3AS Blog

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world in ways that no one could have predicted. As businesses strive to establish a sense of normalcy, we are seeing a boost in digital marketing efforts, to continue servicing customers, and to build relationships. 

With the ever-changing global landscape, it may feel impossible to predict how the current COVID-19 pandemic will affect the future of marketing. However, we can take what we learned this year, as a note on how businesses can thrive in this “new normal.” 

As we approach the last weeks of 2020, what should business owners and marketers look forward to in 2021? Consider the following insights into foreseeable marketing trends that will dominate the next year. 

• Social Trends

• Web Design Trends

• Small Business Trends

Social Trends to Consider in 2021

How will social media marketing change in the new year? After what marketers have learned in 2020, there are some clear trends and shifts which will impact how marketers and businesses should be posting in 2021. 

1. Be A Good Listener: When you listen to what your followers and customers are saying, you learn. This year, find out what your customer’s challenges are, and learn how to meet their needs. Use social listening to track social media platforms for mentions and conversations related to your brand, then analyze them for insight and opportunities! 

2. Be Authentic: Say what you mean, and mean what you say! Authenticity is the most important part of connecting with your audience - avoid operating business as usual on social, and be real with your followers. Listen to the needs of your audience, and take action on meeting their expectations. 

3. Allow Leaders to Speak Up: Your followers are looking for messages from leadership in business. How is your company addressing the pandemic and other global and national concerns? Your audience is looking for video content to better understand big decisions being made. 

4. Be Flexible: As we know, 2020 was an unpredictable year, so be flexible! Choose your goals and create a social content calendar with those goals at top of mind, and be prepared to adjust in accordance with what’s going on in the world.   

Web Design Trends for 2021

Technology changes fast, and having an up-to-date website is crucial for your business in 2021 and beyond! Be sure to stay up to date with current trends in order to stay ahead of your competition. 

1. Optimized E-Commerce User Experience: What once felt like an “extra option” for retailers is now a necessity for survival. In 2020, we saw a lot of businesses that traditionally were in-store-only experiences, take it to the next level by offering their products and services online. In 2021, we can expect to see businesses optimizing their online storefronts, developing more reliable, faster-loading websites, that cater to those who are actually using it. 

2. Relax and Breathe Deep: From the COVID-19 pandemic to cultural changes, to global concerns, 2020 has seen new sources of stress for many of your customers. In the upcoming year, we can expect to see web designers injecting a sense of calm and order into their websites. This can be achieved through muted colors, minimal design, and relaxing white space acting as a beacon of quiet in a noisy world. 

3. Micro Interactions and Animation: Small doesn’t always equal insignificant! Micro-interactions are small animations that will offer subtle feedback to users. This could take form in a small animation when you hover over an icon on a website. Similarly, micro animation is also on the rise. These small animations are helpful when guiding users through how to interact with your website, and can add an element of playfulness.

4. Thumb-Friendly Mobile Navigation: Your site needs to work well and be easy to use on mobile devices. In 2021, we can expect to see websites that have a focus on being thumb-friendly. Are you reading this on your phone right now? Look at your hand - your fingers are probably wrapped around the back, leaving your thumb to do all the heavy lifting (scrolling.) Thumb-friendly navigation is essential. This means putting the navigation bar, menu, and contact buttons in the space that your thumb can reach, instead of towards the top where your thumb has to stretch! 

Small Business Trends to Watch

What’s going to help your small business stay in business in 2021? Consider the following trends and invest in your future early on to reap the benefits in the upcoming year. 

1. Your Reviews Matter: If you’re not paying attention to your reviews online, now is the time to begin! Today’s customer is highly informed, and 85% do research online before they make a purchase! When real people advocate for your brand online, your business becomes more trustworthy, and your products will sell. 

2. Focus on Social Media: Social media marketing is crucial! Use social media to interact with your followers, answer questions about your products, and promote your sales, new product launches, and more. Consider how your business can implement the 2021 social media trends listed above, and get started! 

3. E-Commerce Will Dominate: As if it hasn’t already, e-commerce will continue to take over the way that consumers are shopping in 2021. Work with a professional to get Pinterest-worthy images of your products, optimize your website’s SEO, and create a store that’s both easy to use and is mobile-friendly! 

4. Get Personal: Providing customer service with a personal touch is what it’s all about in the new year. Your customers each have their own tastes, wants, and needs. Smart personalization engines that recognize a customer’s intent will help businesses raise their profits in 2021! 

The bottom line? 2020 isn’t over yet, but these trends are ones to look out for! Help your business stay ahead of the competition, and contact the marketing experts at D3 to guide your business into the new year!