Trends in Digital Media from 2020 Continue to be Trending in 2021.
Last year certainly proved to be “survival of the fittest” for people, places and businesses due to the Coronavirus pandemic. 2020 could not have been more surreal or more destabilizing to our communities, businesses and economy. Our economy closed for business? Who would have ever thought we would be in a pandemic? Jobs gained were lost in an instant, business earned, was gone in a fleeting moment and so on. These were downward trends that kept going in 2020. COVID-19 forced businesses to deal with change and on-going developments associated with change. This meant they needed to develop a strategy that would provide general direction for sustainability during the pandemic and post survival! It meant one way or another, upward or downward, a trend would develop. And, that meant they needed to pay attention!
Although the development of the vaccine for COVID-19 has been a positive trend for helping us regain some bit of normalcy, it is not without question. Social media has been a major platform for discussion and debate of the vaccine. Often, bringing questions of efficacy and safety of the vaccine to the forefront. People must feel good about their decision to take or deny the vaccine. Often, among the plethora of research, a decision is made because of the popularity of it. The positive comments of efficacy and safety in “real time” are trending upward. That positive trend gives people the sense of useful and valuable information that brings insight to their questions. It is typical, that many trends bring about question. Trends also provide insight to the question. Those would be considered positive trends. Planning how to disseminate the information, managing how it will be addressed and utilized appropriately, means that informative trends will continue to be important in survival and sustainability during the pandemic.
One trend in 2020 that impacted business development was the realization that The Playbook used prior to the pandemic was no longer effective. Existing playbooks were trending downward. Existing playbooks for business development were prone to negative outcomes that businesses could no longer utilize. Downward trends meant real trouble during this pandemic for business! As the playbook needed to be changed, strategies that used plenty of digital media with rich content became an upward trend. Inbound marketing that depended on rich content. Trends in Digital Media from 2020 Continue to be Trending in 2021.
A strong offense was no longer suitable in a pandemic. Business development required more defensive plays than previously as discussed in our blog: Business Development: The Playbook Has Changed Outbound versus Inbound Media. The pandemic had forced businesses to have a “Game On” mentality. Inbound media would be the trend and social media would continue to be a platform to coordinate all elements of Inbound Media so that Inbound marketing was the “game plan”. Throughout 2020, this trend continued. “Game On” mentality would focus on greater use of digital media. As 2021 has arrived, it would not be unlike 2020 for businesses are still faced with surviving in a pandemic. They are still faced with needing to use digital media. Trends in Digital Media from 2020 Continue to be Trending in 2021.
Game on mentality in our daily lives during the start of COVID-19 meant staying safe by social distancing, wearing masks and staying home as feasible. In 2021, that still is relevant. Another trend that many debated and still do! One difference as we delve into the new year, in particular, is the vaccine gives promise and hope for some return to normalcy. It allows for every business and their employees to view a fresh start to success! Once they can receive the vaccine of course. It allows their customers to have safer expectations of doing business with them! Until then, they must be as engaging with their customers as possible while being safe by adhering to all necessary COVID-19 safety precautions deemed necessary.
Dealing with the pandemic will be a bit different in 2021 because of the vaccine and because we have developed trends of how to work, conduct business, study and socialize during this pandemic. Our understanding and focus of doing these things have created trends in sustainability and survival during a pandemic. One example of the trends of 2020 that will continue is the embrace of digital media for successful marketing and brand building! Trends in Digital Media from 2020 Continue to be Trending in 2021.
A predominant trend in 2020 that trended upward as the pandemic intensified was the realization that companies and businesses recognized that building their brand is important now more than ever! Their survival and sustainability are the result of their ability to accept a change in direction in which something is developing or changing as in the Coronavirus. Building your company’s brand in 2021 means embracing a new direction or trend. What trend will be best to build your brand during the continuation of COVID-19? Inbound media and in 2021, that means developing a good use of social media and digital media such as podcasting. Industry trends related to digital media in 2021 point toward branding being defined exponentially using digital media. Trends in Digital Media from 2020 Continue to be Trending in 2021.
Digital media comprises all marketing efforts that use an electronic device or the internet as described in our blog: How to Develop and Implement Successful Digital Marketing Campaigns. Consumers today, expect engagement, they demand having a relationship and connection with companies and businesses and their products and/or services. Digital marketing accomplishes what the consumer demands. It allows for influencers to help build business brand and promote brand image.
Influencer marketing will continue to rise in popularity, with small, relevant niche influencers. This is why Podcasting is a growing trend for Brand development in 2021. Blazing Kiss Media’s Recall Audiocast is the Next Generation of Business Podcasts, the Most Accessible Communications Tool with Superior Sound Quality, and a Lead Generator too. It’s the most optimal way to utilize podcasting for your business. During the pandemic, it’s becoming The New Normal in Business Podcasting.
The Recall Audiocast is designed to engage each and every listener. We have a process and a system to develop a cohesive message, that’s communicating clearly and concisely to the listener. We are ahead of the curve in business podcasting. It connects wonderfully with influencers that are vital in building your brand. Check out previous blogs: Technology Takeover: It Means Good Business, Using Jargon is an Assumption that Your Audience Understands Your Language, and HOW TO AVOID THE NUMBER ONE PROBLEM IN PODCASTING.
Digital media can build your business image and communicate consistently your business brand. It will continue to be an upward trend. It must be used in 2021 but it must be used correctly or you risk downward trends. Influencers matter BUT the correct influencers matter more! Trends in Digital Media from 2020 Continue to be Trending in 2021.
About the Writer: Becky Blaesing owns Blazing Kiss Media and is passionate about helping business owners grow their business with useful business development strategies. She resides in Ooltewah, TN with her husband a two fur boy rescues; but, works with business owners throughout many states. She also has vast experience and passion working with non-profit organizations.