Market Trends to Watch in 2022

Ten marketers would be asked to rank the top 10 emerging marketing trends in 2022. There are likely to be at least a few trends that all would agree on as crucial to any marketing strategy's success.

Many tried-and-true marketing strategies have been able to produce unimpressive results since early 2020. We saw a seismic shift in 2020 that impacted how we attracted buyers for 2022. Are there any sure bets for next year?

6 Marketing Trends That Will Gain Ground in 2018

Marketing firms that are successful have all been known to bet big on the six following trends.

1. Relationship marketing

Two difficult years have seen consumers shift to businesses that treat them as people and not just customers. In exchange for proof that their concerns will be taken seriously and addressed promptly, many consumers will even pay slightly more.

Companies can improve the quality of their customer interactions by creating content that isn't too generic. While everyone can answer the most common questions of their customers, is that what will make you a trusted industry leader in your field? Instead, create content that sets you apart from your competitors. MarketMuse's marketing team follows a 10x formula. They research the topics that their competitors are covering and then decide to cover them.

As a key indicator of a business's health, customer satisfaction will increase over time. This is true regardless of what industry it may be. Although your business might have the most competitive prices and the largest selection, that doesn't guarantee customers will choose it. Consumers will choose to shop elsewhere if your store isn't welcoming or your content isn’t useful and original. Your website and social media presence should be treated in the same way. No matter what they do, people want to feel heard and valued.

2. Ongoing Audience Fragmentation

This is where customization of sales approaches is key. Customers who are more satisfied with the products and services of business owners will be loyal and will purchase more. Your business should offer a more personalized online experience for middle-aged customers than it does for teenagers.

Although it may seem obvious, many online retailers still offer a “one-size fits all” experience. Website cookies are going the way Ford Edsel. Online retailers will need to find new ways for customers to be able to collect and retain their information without violating any moral or legal boundaries.

3. Stay ahead of the Enhanced Privacy Curve

Cookies are not news anymore, as we have already said. Consumers will be more concerned about protecting their privacy. They are already rebuking the “Big Brother” factor in digital marketing.

It can be difficult to navigate the lines between “we know you” and “we know too much about your” when trying to figure out who you are. This is especially true when tailoring customer experiences based on gender, age, location, etc. The right balance is essential for business owners to only collect information that they can use. They'll then take all precautions to protect that information from being stolen or damaged.

4. Relevant to Us…Relevant To You?

It's not about targeting a particular audience with your campaign. It is not just about making your appeal to the right people, but also timing it well and delivering it when they are most likely to respond positively. Relevance can be summarized with the simple phrase “right time, right location, right message and right approach.”

By keeping track of customers' purchases, businesses can improve their relevance to them and craft timely messages. Many vendors send emails to follow-up on previous purchases, such as. “How is the new TV working for you?” These messages are not sales pitches or calls to action but show a genuine concern for the individual. This makes the business more relevant for the consumer's everyday life.

5. Simple Messaging

In the days of website designers who were compelled to create sites that were stylish, edgy and visually striking, Steve Krug wrote a book called “Don't Make me Think, Revisited” which had a brilliant title. The title reflects Krug's philosophy. Do not allow your audience to think about your message too much on your website, app or social media.

6. Making sustainability a no-brainer

Clients are more inclined to shop with businesses that care about the environment. Find ways to make your business more eco-friendly. Be careful about how you market your efforts, as some customers might view your efforts as dishonest. If you shout a lot about Mother Nature's goodness, it is more likely that you will attract suspicions than increase customer loyalty.

Many companies are quick to sell, but lose their long-lasting credibility. You can rest assured that anyone who claims otherwise will investigate you. It is better to find ways to improve existing business practices than to invent new ones. For starters, encourage your employees to recycle their beverage bottles in a central location.

Adopt, Adapt and Improve

Although these emerging marketing trends aren't groundbreaking, they could require your company to be innovative with technology, customer experience, and daily routines. You can learn a lot from these six areas as you make positive changes. We have a great chance of simultaneously improving our bottom line by focusing more attention on customers, employees, communities, and the environment.