Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
The current state of digital marketing is heavily influenced by IT solutions that use modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, data analytics and personalization to enhance marketing strategies. These technologies play a crucial role in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of marketing campaigns and boosting the overall customer experience provided by companies in different industries.
Today, IT solutions enable omnichannel marketing strategies, allowing businesses to create a seamless and integrated customer journey across multiple touchpoints, leading to a more cohesive brand experience.
Related: How Digital Marketers Can Do More With Less
1. Artificial intelligence is the new black
Artificial Intelligence has been revolutionizing digital marketing for the last three years by giving users access to advanced data analysis, automated decision-making processes and personalized customer interactions through machine learning algorithms. In the beginning, it was rocket science, but now the technology has become accessible and user-friendly.
The applications of AI in digital marketing are vast and diverse. Chatbots have become popular for businesses, offering real-time customer support and enhancing user experience. Predictive analytics — another key feature of artificial intelligence — helps marketers anticipate consumer behavior and trends, enabling them to make data-driven strategies. Customer segmentation, a crucial aspect of marketing, has been greatly improved by AI’s ability to process big data and identify specific customer profiles for targeted campaigns.
What to expect: AI, once complex, is becoming more accessible, providing advanced capabilities for businesses. Expect ongoing advancements in chatbots, predictive analytics and customer segmentation, driving digital marketing toward a dynamic and personalized future filled with innovation.
2. VR & AR for business
Virtual and augmented reality technologies are reshaping digital marketing by creating immersive brand experiences, engaging content and interactive campaigns that captivate audiences in new and innovative ways.
These innovations have revolutionized the user experience in online advertising and e-commerce, offering a level of interactivity and personalization previously unseen. Through VR/AR, companies can now tell compelling brand stories that resonate deeply with consumers, fostering stronger connections and brand loyalty. The ability to transport users to virtual worlds or overlay digital information onto their physical environment opens up endless possibilities for marketers to deliver impactful and memorable experiences that drive conversions and establish a strong online presence.
What to expect: As technology becomes more accessible and hardware performance improves, the virtual and augmented reality market will grow. This will increase demand for non-traditional brand advertising, offering a new way to interact with products, fostering loyalty and boosting sales among the Gen-Z.
Related: Will Apple Change VR Forever?
3. Internet of Things as a fresh start
IoT allows businesses to tap into vast amounts of big data generated by IoT devices, offering valuable insights into consumer behavior and preferences. Companies can leverage this data to create targeted advertising campaigns tailored to user preferences and behaviors.
Today, these devices with user interfaces help marketers deliver seamless customer experiences across multiple touchpoints, boosting brand loyalty and driving sales. Data-driven decision-making enabled by IoT empowers marketers to adapt strategies in real time, optimizing marketing efforts for increased effectiveness and impact.
What to expect: A higher risk of information leakage or misuse comes with increased collected data. Companies will need to intensify their focus on data protection and customer privacy. At present, IoT devices from various manufacturers often function in isolated ecosystems. It will underscore the importance of developing standards for interoperability between devices from different brands to ensure successful marketing strategies shortly.
4. The era of 5G internet
This technological leap has presented exciting prospects for mobile marketing. Businesses can harness the improved speed and reliability of 5G networks to offer more engaging and interactive experiences on mobile apps and social media platforms. In the 5G era, conducting real-time competitive analysis and adapting marketing strategies became more efficient and effective, providing businesses with a competitive edge.
What to expect: Real-time interactions across digital channels will become smoother, enabling brands to connect with their audiences instantly. With the ability to deliver personalized content based on location, preferences and behavior patterns, companies can craft highly targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with their audience.
5. AI-powered influencer marketing platforms
Social media platforms are now essential in digital marketing, utilizing influencers to authentically promote brands and effectively engage target audiences.
These IT platforms offer a unique opportunity for brands to connect organically with their demographic by partnering with influencers who boast a loyal following. This collaboration enhances visibility and credibility and ultimately drives sales. Influencer marketing platforms enable brands to analyze campaign effectiveness through data and market research, providing insights into consumer behavior for refined strategies and tailored messaging.
What to expect: The future will see companies collaborating with a new generation of influencers (nano and micro-influencers), setting trends and prioritizing authenticity over aesthetics. In contrast to millennials, Gen Z values straightforward and considerate design in physical spaces, favoring companies that embrace authenticity.
