5 Digital Marketing Trends to Learn in 2022

For weeks now, I have been reading the recent blog posts and articles about digital trends for 2022. Many platforms have their agendas, but five consistent trends have appeared in all these recent publications.  Here I will summarize what I read and provide ideas on how to include these trends in a Marketing Strategy.  

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1. A continued increase in Videos with more demand for live video.  You will also see an increase in gaming and the metaverse and not referring only to Facebook.  The METAVERSE refers to the virtual world of augmented reality, virtual reality and 3D holographic avatars and video that create an environment where people work, play, and socialize.         
​Action: 

• Add videos to content strategy, live videos a plus, and be creative with the way you are presenting your videos.
• Keep learning about the Metaverse and be aware of how this digital trend develops over the course of 2022.

          Learn more about the Metaverse

s2. Social commerce will continue to grow.  Social commerce gives retailers a way of getting their product/service in front of potential customers through social networks like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.  Many retailers say large increases in revenue after opening up Instagram Shops and even larger increases with Livestreams.  Rob Illidge, CEO of social media agency Social Republic, stated consumers spend three times longer watching live videos than pre-recorded visual content.  Many platforms are quickly developing Shoppable Livestream solutions for businesses. Livestreams have also gotten a boost from the pandemic by offering a safe alternative to in-store shopping.         
​Action: 

• Don’t jump into Shoppable Livestreaming without a plan.  Read about the different livestream options from different platforms and strategically integrate this solution into your strategies.

• Facebook Shoppable Livestreaming
• Instagram Live Shopping

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3. Sustainability and DEI.  Research shows that Sustainability and DEI have become increasingly important to consumers.  Consumers are switching to brands that reflect their wallet.
Action: 

• If you do not already have add core values and a DEI statement to your overall branding statements.  Make these transparent to the consumer on your website and marketing materials. 
• Demonstrate these statements through actions like to partner with a nonprofit or donating a portion of your time or revenue.

4. Integrating data collection methods that prioritize Consumer Privacy.  Many marketers do not realize that your audience is owned by Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or any other social media platform.  In addition, Google is getting rid of third-party cookies after 2022. 
Action:

• Be transparent about security and privacy in all digital media.
• Collect data directly from customers so you own the data - surveys, emails, website forms

5. E-commerce, New ways to Pay for Purchases like cryptocurrency, PayPal, and Venmo. Customers are looking for convenient options when they hit “buy now” or “donate now” for nonprofits.  Cut down on the number of clicks and offer flexibility for different types of consumers. 50% of consumers will abort their purchase if they don’t see their preferred payment system available (https://blog.saleslayer.com/)
Action:

• Implement multiple payment options for customers

      In order of volume of use, these are the most popular payment methods worldwide:

1. Digital wallets (Paypal, Venmo, Alipay)
2. Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard)
3. Bank transfers
4. Virtual cards and currency
5. Coupons and store gift cards

2022 IS going to be a great year!  Thanks for reading.
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Kellie Emrich