There’s no doubt that digital marketing has expanded in options in the past few years. In 2023 especially, there’s no shortage of ways to get your business noticed. In the world of marketing, the options are endless: PPC advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing, influencer marketing, affiliate programs… and those are just a few of the biggies. So how can these things impact your business? Or more importantly… how will your market share be affected once your competition is ahead of the digital marketing game?

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) will be a major player in digital marketing and in a lot of ways it already is when it comes to targeted advertising. In many ways though, it’s really just the beginning.

Creating content, predicting behavior, writing copy, and even writing code are just some of the ways AI is revolutionizing our lives. As more companies invest in these technologies–and more consumers expect them–you’ll see even more sophisticated uses of AI emerge over time.

Voice Search

Voice search is a method of interacting with devices using the human voice. It’s a more natural way to interact with devices because it feels more like talking to another person instead of typing on a keyboard. Searching for information, setting an alarm, and even ordering stuff online can all be done with voice search. Smartphones and tablets are most commonly used to access these services, but smart speakers like Amazon Echo Dot enable users who don’t own smartphones to access them at home.

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) displays an object or image layered on top of a user’s surrounding environment in real-time in the real world. Virtual Reality (VR), on the other hand, is a computer-generated environment in which everything around you is a virtual simulation. AR can be used to enhance, alter, or mask a part of the surrounding physical space through different smart devices. You may have even seen this used when shopping for furniture online when it is possible to see how the sofa looks and feels in your living room without ever having to leave the house.

Personalization

Personalization is about making the experience more tailored to the individual to enhance their user experience. When done well, personalization makes customers feel valued and appreciated–they feel that their needs are being met because they are being catered to individually.

When personalization is done poorly, it can be intrusive and off-putting. Like if a retailer starts sending emails asking about your shoe size after your last purchase. It may feel like they’re trying too hard to invade your privacy. People are seeking out authentic interactions with brands today–they want brands who understand them as people first before they engage with them on any level beyond just purchasing products or services (and even then there should be some level of personal connection).

Digital marketing will only continue to grow. As the world becomes more connected, businesses need to be aware of how consumers are interacting with brands and products online. These strategies will help them reach new audiences while also connecting with existing ones. One thing is certain: The world will never stop changing, no matter what happens over the next decade. And neither should your company’s strategy!

Get your digital marketing strategy started or expanded by contacting Limelight today.