New year. Same old approach to marketing.

That’s a recipe for regression.

Every time you replace one calendar with another is a huge opportunity to win market share, test assumptions, and innovate. Keeping an eye on trends is a great way to build momentum.

Here are four actions you can take in the new year:

Adjust To Life After The Pandemic

2022 will (hopefully) be the year COVID-19 recedes further and further into the rearview mirror. This is likely to have two significant impacts.

First, marketing budgets will bounce back. That’s good news for you, but also for your competitors. If you take a timid approach, there’s a chance someone else will leapfrog you.

Second, the hybrid approach is here to stay. Although more and more doors are open again, that doesn’t mean the same number of people will walk through them. Make sure you have a plan to communicate both in person and digitally.

Dip A Toe In Text Messages

Inbox zero is nothing but a pipe dream for many people, but the same can’t be said for texts. According to Gartner, text message open rates are approximately 98% compared to 20% for emails.

With such a high rate, you have the opportunity to engage with your audience like never before. In addition to starting two-way conversations, SMS messaging can be an avenue to send:

Reminders
Surveys
Discounts
Updates

Text messages also have the benefit of being naturally restrictive. You can’t rely on impressive design or wordy sentences, so get to the point in a hurry.

Recruit The Next Wave Of Talent

The difficulty you face filling open positions isn’t going anywhere. Instead of thinking of this as HR’s problem, you can be proactive.

A strong first step is showcasing your company. Whether it’s a page on your current site or a new recruiting microsite, it’s vital that you highlight your culture, your team, and the excellent work you do. This is more than a vague pitch. Be specific. Be authentic. Be compelling.

With so many different options to choose from, make sure candidates know exactly why they should choose you.

Optimize Your Copy For Voice Search

Search engines constantly evolve. This means you can either grow along with them or aim for a moving target. One feature used more and more often is voice search.

According to Invoca, 58% of consumers use voice search to find information on local businesses. This accounts for approximately two billion in spending. Chances are those numbers will increase.

To optimize for voice search, focus on keyword phrases that match how your audience speaks. Instead of “Indian restaurant Fort Wayne” try “Where is the closest Indian restaurant?” The difference is subtle, but impactful.

Chasing trends doesn’t guarantee success, but ignoring them can leave you in the dust. It’s all about knowing your audience and adopting the best strategies to meet your goals. If you have questions about your marketing in 2022 and beyond, please send us a message.

4 Marketing Trends For 2022 You Can’t Ignore