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3 Digital Marketing Secrets for 2017

Looking for ways to stand out from the crowd? 3 Digital Marketing Secrets for 2017

It’s hard to believe that 2016 is coming to a close.  In my final post for the year, I decided to share some interesting tactics that are often overlooked by digital marketers.  The online playing field has become increasingly noisy and crowded, making it hard for companies to stand out from the crowd.  Here we have identified 3 of the best kept digital marketing secrets and how to utilize them to drive leads, sales and engagement.

1. Instagram Stories:

insta-video

 

Earlier this year Instagram launched a new feature called Stories.  Similar to Snapchat, users can post photos and videos in chronological order to tell a story.  This story lasts within your profile for a 24-hour period, after which time it disappears.

Instagram announced enhancements to Stories in November, including links, mentions and video.  One notable feature for marketers is the capability to include links within the Instagram Story.  When a user taps the link, they are able to view the website or a related content piece within the Instagram app.

With over 500 million monthly users, Instagram continues to deliver tools for marketers to connect their brands with a unique audience.  Stories, with links and videos, are a new and interesting way for businesses to expand their community and increase engagement with a younger generation of users.  For more information on Instagram for Business, check out one of our previous posts.

2. Facebook Live:fb-live

According to Cisco Forecast data, 69% of all consumer-based internet traffic will be video by 2017.  That number will top 80% by 2018.  The live video feature within Facebook has quickly become an important tool for marketers at companies like Dunkin Donuts and Buzzfeed.  However, many companies have yet to embrace the technology.  Facebook Live offers real-time video, with the massive built-in distribution network that is Facebook.  Facebook Live offers several benefits to marketers.

By leveraging their social graph, Facebook can notify users of video content via their newsfeed.  Also, with Live Reactions, users can share their feelings and reactions during a live broadcast.  The interactive nature of Facebook Live encourages engagement by allowing viewers to invite friends.  These features give marketers real-time insight and a built-in distribution channel for their curated content.

Here are a few ideas for using Facebook Live:

  • Teasers and promotions for upcoming events
  • Live Chat with subject matter expert or company spokesperson
  • Product demonstrations
  • Group chat with Facebook Groups
  • Monthly or weekly episodes featuring curated contact

3. Influencer Marketing:

Influencers are people who are active within social media and blogs that typically have a large network of fans, followers, online friends. This community is actively listening and engaging with the Influencers.

Because consumers trust third-party recommendations more than those coming from a brand, Influencer Marketing is becoming a secret weapon.  Influencers create buzz around content and in many cases can create a viral campaign, just via their followers and online reputation.  Many brands and companies are partnering with Influencers to help communicate their message.

influence-marketingThere are a few important factors to consider when thinking about a potential Influencer:

  • Fit: Is he/she relevant and pertinent to the customers and audience we are targeting?
  • Reach: What size is the community and the reach of this Influencer?
  • Reaction: Will customers react positively and take action based on their interest in this individual?

Not surprisingly, research finds that Facebook and Instagram are favorite social channels for Influencers Marketing.  This is most likely attributable to the visual and shareable nature of these sites.  For a more in-depth look at Influencer Marketing, check out our previous post here.

Now that we have shared some secrets for marketing success in 2017, we wish you Happy Holidays and a Happy 2017.

For more articles like this and to learn more about digital strategy check us out here.