Digital marketing is something we are very passionate about here at Klout 9, your full-service digital marketing agency in Lafayette, LA. As mentioned in previous posts, failure to properly implement a solid digital marketing strategy risks wasted budget, and so much more. There has been a large shift towards fully digital marketing strategies across businesses nationwide in the past year.

While the world finds its new normal, this digital marketing shift that was already in place before 2020 will only continue to be on the uprise. If your business does not invest in online marketing or debatabley worse, if you do and do not have a digital marketing strategy in place, this post is for you!

Below we explore a brief overview of digital marketing and five trends to include in your strategy for 2021.

What is Digital Marketing?

The most basic definition of digital marketing is any form of promoting your brand, products, or services through online mediums. This includes digital-based technologies such as apps, phones, and more. Your digital marketing strategy is the game plan for your company or your hired digital marketing agency. It’s developed to help your business achieve specific digital goals through online marketing channels such as social media, email, search engines, etc.

Digital Marketing Trends

Local SEO

As defined in our post “What is Local SEO?”, Local SEO is a segment of SEO that focuses on acquiring foot traffic to your physical location. It is a powerful digital tool as it targets customers who are actively seeking out the services you offer at the exact moment they desire those services. It brings in funneled, targeted, quality leads.

People searching for services within their geographic area have a much higher intent to purchase. If you are unsure of where to start with local SEO, start with the suggestions below. 

  • Claim and verify your Google My Business profile. 
  • Fill out your profile in as much detail as possible and strive to make weekly posts that contain engaging content
  • Seek out a local search marketing service. This ensures all of your listings are consistent across the web and will contribute to a higher ranking in the maps section of search engine results, thus driving more local traffic. 
  • Have your local digital marketing agency incorporate localized keywords into your website content and SEO strategy.

Video Content

Video content remains an untapped opportunity. It has proven to be the most powerful tool in user engagement yet is one of the least used content types. User engagement across multiple platforms is a sure way to get the search engines’ attention and drive you some free, organic website traffic.

It also helps users get a feel of who you are, what you do, and why. Video creates a relationship connection that images and posts are not able to do as effectively.

Klout9 highly recommends building a video content strategy for 2021 and spreading it across multiple platforms: Facebook, Instagram, website, youtube, LinkedIn & more. Need some ideas? View our post, Three Tips For Your Video Content Strategy. 

Interactive Content

In 2020, there was a spike in Webinars and virtual content opportunities due to in-person meetings’ restrictions. The attendance spiked then plummeted. Consumers were seeking a more personal experience than watching a Webinar.

The demand for interactive content emerged. Interactive content includes panels, chats, games, contests, or any other content that encourages consumers to engage actively rather than passively consume.

Brand Values

Customers in 2021 are seeking to do business with brands they know and trust. Now more than ever, it will be crucial to include brand messaging throughout your digital marketing strategy.

Seek out what values are important to your target audience and promote your brand’s elements that complement those values. 

Customer Retention

It’s typically less expensive to invest into your existing customer base than new customer acquisition. In 2021, develop a system to reach and retain your existing customer base.

Be it referral fees or reward programs; social media platforms will be your friend in communicating this messaging. Seek to build genuine relationships with your customers and watch repeat and referral business pour in.

At Klout 9, digital marketing is our area of expertise. If you are unsure where to start or need help implementing your strategy for 2021, we would love the opportunity to grow your business.

Our services include but are not limited to: social media strategy and management, PPC and Display, Videography, Website design and development, and more. Contact us today for a free SEO and website audit