Digital marketing is showing no signs of slowing down as we approach 2020. Though studies and research varies, adults spend an estimated seven to 11 hours per day on the internet. Whether it be for professional reasons or for personal interests, the internet easily consumes almost half of the day. For this reason, marketers need to be on top of digital marketing trends that will ensure visibility and awareness for their businesses. 4 trends in digital marketing going into 2020 As marketers prepare for the new year which is approaching quickly, it is important to take note of trends that can help them stay in the game.

1. Social media is about conversations - Though this should be no surprise, digital marketers need to be paying attention to the changing habits that we are seeing on social media. Where social media used to once be about keeping family and friends up to date on your various activities, advertisers have taken to these platforms as a way to inform potential purchasers of their wares. However, as a result of retailers and service providers taking to social media, consumers are now looking at these platforms as a way to engage with those companies, and not just to make a purchase. Digital marketers need to be prepared to both ask and answer questions posted by consumers and they need to do so in a timely manner (within 24 to 48 hours). And, they need to ensure that they are regularly posting interesting content that will entice readers to want to learn more about their brand.
2. Share videos or bust - If your brand isn’t sharing content through video by now, then you are missing out. Research has found that video is more than 500 times more effective in reaching and engaging potential purchasers than print and direct mail combined. Though these more traditional strategies still play a role in building awareness for your brand, more and more internet users are taking to video as a way to learn and understand what it is you have to offer.
3. Geo-targeting is more effective than batch and blast - Though there are times when a mass message can be highly effective, today’s consumers love offers and information that is targeted to their specific geography. For example, today’s advanced marketing technology allows marketers to serve an ad to a customer whenever they walk into or are in the proximity of, a targeted location. Even better, these ads can be served to a mobile device when the customer is near your competitors as well. This targeted approach is a highly effective way to increase engagement and brand awareness.
4. Email marketing gets personal - Today’s email service platforms can allow marketers to tailor messages in ways that we could never have imagined when email marketing was introduced decades ago. Short, memorable, and impactful content still remains key, but even better is when you can create personalized messages based on unique market segments and products or services that will best resonate with those audiences.

Marketers who stay on top of the trends across advertising will be far more likely to create incremental revenue for their organizations than those who do not. Gone are the days where marketers needed to spray and pray and hope to catch the right customer at the right time. By following the above tips and staying on top of what will come, marketers can continuously improve their approach to building brand awareness, and ultimately to creating conversion.