Marketing Trends for 2022
After a whirlwind 2021, many have enjoyed a well earned break. At Pocket Rocket we love the start of a new year, a new routine, and that we can finally start to remember what day it is!
We also enjoy reading about the predicted marketing trends for 2022. Marketers and business owners often start to get a feel for what trends may be coming in the next 6-12 months. But sometimes something surprises us all out of the blue, and we have to react and adapt - the pandemic has provided us with many examples.
Over on our Instagram, we shared a few predictions for social media in 2022, if you missed them, we’ve shared them below. But we also wanted to share some broader marketing trends to be aware of for 2022, these are just a few and they may not all be relevant for your brand or business.
Video marketing
Short-form content isn’t going anywhere. Instagram Reels, TikTok YouTube Shorts to name a few. Want more exposure? Ensure short video content is included in your content plan and not just social media, think about email marketing, website and advertising. It’s predicted that the majority of video content we see this year will be created by influencers. Don’t forget about user-generated content, it can save time and perform well - just remember to be authentic and meaningful with the content you create.
Direct mail making a comeback?
In 2021 the ad space became more expensive, crowded and our inboxes were flooded with emails. Direct mail has started to see an increase in performance and engagement. We’ve seen it ourselves with trial runs for clients. It isn’t to say it should be run as a standalone campaign, well thought-out integrated campaigns can allow you to reach your audience in an authentic, tangible and nostalgic way.
This isn't to discredit the importance of email marketing, as it has its place when used in a targeted way.
Influencer marketing
Influencer marketing is expected to evolve this year into a $15 billion industry. Thanks in part to TikTok, influencers prove that their fans will follow them across different platforms, opening up the opportunities for brands to gain more exposure. Facebook/Instagram have already announced huge investment into ‘creators’ in 2022. In 2022, businesses will be able to find more creators right for their niche. Tips? Don’t just think about likes on social media, prioritise video and don’t limit yourself to one channel.
Community
This year focus on building a community. It’s hard not to get wrapped up in the numbers, how many followers you have, the likes you get on a post, but this doesn’t always translate into engagement, sales or enquiries. Social media is ever-evolving, try focusing on building an engaged community and sharing content relevant to your audience. It’s expected brands will shift from Loyalty Programs to Membership Programs. Loyalty programs offer value but in most cases are now no longer compelling differentiators to other brands. Can you offer a membership model that offers value through benefits such as exclusive access to products, free delivery, offline events etc?
Live Streaming
According to Google, watch time for live content is up 250%. A great way to showcase your personality and values. Live Streaming is predicted to change online sales and Social Commerce in 2022. More channels are releasing features that enable brands or influencers to recommend a product and share a direct link during a live stream. Facebook Live, Instagram Live, YouTube features will become more common over 2022.
Ideas for a live stream? Host a Q&A, create a live shopping event where you showcase your products or announce new releases.
AI, AR and VR
A lot of acronyms, we know. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) will be apparent across 2022 and years to come.
People will continue to be immersed in a new universe using VR glasses. We could talk about Facebook, or as we should call it now Meta, but we will save that for another day.
IKEA Place app is an example of AR that allows users using AR technology to virtually place items into physical living spaces before purchasing.
Marketers will continue to utilise AI technology to capture online and offline customer data, allowing for better targeting, customised messaging through the relevant marketing mediums. Rather than offering blanket discounts, in 2022, it is expected brands will replace these with offerings based on exactly what they know about their customers. For example, they buy with free delivery.
Trends can sometimes feel overwhelming, and they aren’t meant to be followed by all. There will be some we cannot avoid, and some will come and go. If you have any questions, feel free to drop us an email, or you can request a free 30-minute marketing discovery call here and let us help you get a plan together for 2022.
