In the blink of an eye, it is already a new year, and our holiday modeis already back to business as normal. Technology is changing, and knowing the different tech trends can help you in your business. If you aren’t sure, ask these digital marketing experts your questions, and they can help.

Simply told, you cannot ignore the power of digital marketing; when you have an effectively executed campaign, you sell more products, no way around it. However for this marketing campaign to be effective, you need to go to where the people are, and that is online. The cyberspace is changing and here is a look at some of the digital trends which you should look out for in the future.

#1. Virtual and Augmented Realities

VR and AR have long been associated with gaming. For instance, whenPokémon GO launched, people used to walk into posts when trying the VR version. However, AR and VR have already been implemented in other industries.

The concept of AR and VR in digital marketing started a long time ago. For instance, Coca Cola launched an AR campaign in China.  The advertisement was relayed in the form of augmented reality animation, and in less than two weeks more than 6.6 million people had viewed the campaign. Starbucks experimented with AR back in 2011.

Studies show that AR and VR campaigns are more engaging and attractive to the consumer, adding more value to the consumer’s needs. This year, more and more companies are going to pick up AR and VR and you should not be left behind.

#2. Voice Interaction

Ever since Siri, Google Alexa, and other verbal smart devices were introduced to the market, you have to admit that life has become a bit easier. Talking is always the best form of communication and now that machines are catching up, life is less complicated.

A study by ComScore estimates that by the year 2020 half of all searches will be voice automated. Therefore there is a need for you to catch up with the voice recognition trend.

If you are considering implementing this trend into your business, it is crucial to differentiate when there is a need to voice search and text. This means that it is time to start developing writing content which is conversational with voice search.

At the moment, most voice searches occur when people are busy or when their hands are full, as when they are driving. However, in 2019, it is estimated that many people will get accustomed to voice search. Therefore a lot of brands will be competing as they try to find their niche in voice search.

#3. AI-Powered Solutions

You might be wondering how artificial intelligence will impact digital marketing? A couple of years ago, marketers were reluctant to add AI into their marketing campaigns. However, more and more businesses whether large or small, have continued to incorporate AI as ambiguity has been reduced.

Last year a lot of brands experimented with AI and Machine Learning(ML), and it is expected in 2019 that more brands will implement them. Here is a look at how AI is a digital marketing trendto keep within your business.

• AI will be creating and writing its own content. I know you must be thinking that there is no way this can be possible. However, companies such as Forbes, BBC, CNN and the New York Timesactually have intelligent tools writing their columns.
• Email marketing
• Digital advertising on social media platforms
• Content curation
• Optimization of web searches
• Web design with applications such as Grid
• Personalizing web experience for your consumers

#4. Live Video

Years ago the Washington Post predicted that video streaming would make up 80% of the Internet by 2019. This actually has become true; video streaming has become a rising star in digital marketing. Apps such as Twitch and Sony PS4 have continued to increase the popularity of live video streaming. Other social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook have also implemented live video streaming.

A lot of brands have noticed that this trend could actually be beneficial to their businesses. They have created video tips and stream-in live video events or behind-the-scene moments. It might seem easy, but video streaming has no impact if you do not reach your target audience.

However,  here is the trick. Social media has given rise to a group of personalities known as “influencers.” These are individuals who have a massive social media following, and you can use them in your advertising campaign to draw an audience. If you want your brand to boom, be sure to be interactive with your audience.