Oh, those pesky New Year’s resolutions – some people believe in them and make them work; others say it’s just another day. But when it comes to your business, it’s essential to consider an annual plan – what you hope to achieve this year and how you’ll get there.
The reality is 2021 is here, but the COVID-19 crisis isn’t over… yet. It’s essential, now more than ever, to reevaluate and reinvigorate your marketing strategy. What does that look like? How do you plan to grow your brand and attract new customers in the midst of the ongoing pandemic?
Traditional marketing and advertising tactics just won’t cut it, so here are Driftpoint Media’s 5 tips on what your marketing strategy for 2021 should include:
01 Humanize your brand.
We’re all in this together, aren’t we? Your customers want to know they’re supporting a company that’s authentic, transparent and genuine. If you’re a small, local business, a social advocate, charitable, or supporting a good cause in your community, let your audience know. Use empathy to tell your brand’s story and to gain trust with your customers.
02 Create online connections.
Talk to your customers. Go virtual. Host a webinar. Demo your product with live video. Record a heartfelt message on YouTube or try an Instagram Reel. People connect to people. Use video and personalized marketing to build new relationships and virtually bond to your audience.
03 Rethink traffic.
Everyone is online, but now everyone’s mother and grandmother are shopping and searching online too. If your website isn’t updated and optimized, if you haven’t considered search engine optimization (SEO), and if you’re not producing new, relevant digital content (blogs, videos, etc.) to drive consumers to your site, you’re missing out. And if you’re a brick-and-mortar store, now is the time to consider an eCommerce website.
04 Trust social channels.
Consumers have grown more distrustful of the media, pushing social media into the spotlight as one of the most effective ways to increase your brand’s visibility. At one time, Facebook and Instagram were only used for connecting socially, promotions and advertising, but now both have integrated in-app shopping. And did you know Instagram just became more search-friendly? It’s a game changer for marketers everywhere.
05 Email marketing is your friend.
Despite the uncertainty of the times, it’s reliable and always there. It’s also easy to implement, low-cost and it works. Already using email campaigns to promote your brand? Now is the time to think about segmentation, personalization and how you can re-engage and nurture prospective buyers.
It’s time to get creative and aggressive with your marketing strategy and we’d love to help. If you need help developing your plan or creating content, that’s what we’re here for. Contact us.