Pandemic-Driven Trends to Consider Incorporating into Your Internet Marketing Strategy

The world is nearly two years into a global pandemic, and practically everyone and everything has been affected. From how we consume to where we work and whether we travel, the health crisis has had an impact on almost every aspect of life.

Businesses have also felt the effects. They’ve been forced to rethink how they market to and do business with customers. They’ve needed to adapt to ever-changing marketing models, particularly their online marketing strategies. Is your business prepared to meet these digital marketing challenges moving forward? Get in touch with our team at Smart WSI Marketing today. We’re an award-winning internet marketing company that can help you respond to current marketing developments while keeping your business competitive.

Pandemic-Drive Internet Marketing Trends Worth Adopting

Many of the new digital marketing trends brought about by COVID-19 appear to be here to stay. These are the ones our agency thinks can offer the greatest benefits to your business.

Responding to Changing Consumer Demands

Consumer habits changed dramatically in the wake of worldwide lockdowns. Many shoppers turned to the internet for their needs, and experts predict they’ll continue to do so, even as physical retail stores reopen.

To take advantage of how customers now use the internet for shopping, small to medium businesses that never had an online sales platform are launching eCommerce websites as a primary tool for their businesses. They’re also revising their internet marketing tactics to focus on what customers want most: a business relationship predominantly based on trust, not price or performance. Rather than tout product and service features, content is now designed to inform, educate, and reassure customers.

Google Search Changes

The transition to more informed content allows businesses the opportunity to answer the questions people now search for most. Search phrases that grew in popularity during lockdowns include:

• “How-to” queries on everything from home decor to cooking and landscaping.
• “Work from home” searches like office equipment and digital tools and devices.
• “Entertainment ideas,” including online board games and streaming services.
• “Well-being” searches to locate products and services that keep people fit, connected, and inspired at home.

Producing content tailored to your audience’s new behaviours can help boost online visibility, increase organic traffic, and generate more leads for your business.

Search Ad Spending Still Increasing

Digital ad spend surpassed traditional marketing for the first time back in 2019. Since then, it has continued to grow, increasing over 14 percent between June 2020 and February 2021. This trend confirms what many digital marketing agencies already knew—digital ads will remain the primary means of line marketing for businesses of all sizes.

Is Your Business Prepared for a Post-Pandemic Marketing Environment?

Though we aren’t living in a post-pandemic world quite yet, we appear to be moving ever closer to one. From a digital marketing standpoint, brands must be thinking about how they’ll best position themselves this year and beyond. Smart WSI Marketing is an Edmonton digital marketing agency that can help you meet changing consumer demands while planning your future marketing strategy. Contact us today to learn more.

Lynne Motkoski, Digital Marketing Strategist

Specialty: Digital Marketing Strategies
Education: MA Communications & Technology, BComm [U Alberta]

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Lynne is known for her strategic approach to marketing communications, technologies, and lead generation. She has a passion for education, keeping up with current marketing trends and practices, and helping clients keep ahead of their competition.