Digital marketing encompasses the many different channels your business could utilise to meet the needs of customers. Contrary to what you may think, San Diego digital marketing is not just about selling but about engagement and interaction too.

Why both with digital marketing?

As a small business, there are many pressures on your time, resources and budget. The world of digital marketing can seem vast, overwhelming and complex. With the right support from an expert digital marketing agency in San Diego, however, you can grow the marketing avenues you use and grow results too.

From maximizing SEO to pay-per-click adverts to email marketing, digital marketing opens up a whole new landscape for all business, but especially for the start-up and the smaller business too.

But what trends are coming our way in terms of digital marketing in 2019? How can a small business utilize them? And how do trends relate to a business whose customers are located in the same town, city or county?

#1 Artificial intelligence

Does this phrase make your hair stand on end or do you understand that come 2019, this will be a tool you can use for your small business with great effect?

Artificial intelligence is almost like an automated answering system but via your website. You’ll have seen this on websites – it is the live chat facility that pops up, asking if you have any questions or ‘how can we help you today?’.

Relatively inexpensive and easy to manage, customers realize that these live chat facilities are a way of breathing life into the FAQ section, almost. Customers tend to ask the same type of questions when looking to buy products or services, so why not automate this with artificial intelligence?

Available 24/7, you’ll lose fewer customers as they will feel a greater sense of interaction. It also shows a level of professionalism too, something customers look for in ALL brands and businesses, large or small.

#2 Your website MUST be mobile-ready

We’ve been using smartphones for years and so it seems inconceivable that there are still websites out there that are not readable, accessible or usable when accessing them via a smartphone or tablet.

If you haven’t already done so, you must make your San Diego website mobile ready for 2019 and beyond. The simple truth is, smartphones are here to stay and with more than half of all organic searches coming from mobile devices, it pays to have a website that is agile and responsive in any format.

#3 Video will become increasingly important

Take a look at the success of IGTV – the video format on Instagram – and you will see just how important video has become. But in 2019, as a digital marketing tool, it is expected to become even more popular and important.

However, like most things, there were a set of rules developed when it came to ‘going live’ or creating videos to attract attention and custom. For example, the shorter the better was a golden rule for video, as was don’t put a call to action in as this puts people off.

However, it seems that the rulebook is being ripped up, something we think rules should be all about! Videos can be everything from instructional to a marketing tool or just a bit of fun.

Movement on a website and on social media is important – it attracts attention and we like nothing better than being able to see or visualize a business. It breeds familiarity with a buyer, something that can prove lucrative to a business.

You can also utilize the power of video to make the most of your brand’s geographical location. Digital marketing is not just about selling on the web but about selling locally too, picking up a local following and so on.

There is nothing to say that as part of your marketing, you can’t showcase your locality and the beauty of it…

#4 Influencer marketing will be bigger

In every industry, there are people who are considered experts. On social media and other sites, there are people who are considered experts in your field. Collaborating with them can be beneficial to you both.

It is not just about advertising, but about gaining traction in your industry. With the right people at the right price point, you could introduce your product, services and brand to a whole new audience.

Or by hooking up with a social media influencer, you could affirm to customers that your brand is the place to go.

Effectively, influencer marketing is the digital equivalent of ‘word of mouth’. Millennials, for example, are seven times more likely to buy from a brand if their products are recommended or highlighted by an influencer.

This comes at a cost and so don’t try to be clever and ask for free marketing in exchange for a few products. This is likely to backfire. Influencer marketing in San Diego or indeed anywhere needs to be managed so that it is beneficial to both and not just one-sided.

#5 Data collection will become a bigger issue…

… even though it is already becoming a hot potato that no one wants to take a firm hold of. In Europe, the GDPR rules are making their presence felt and for any business that does business with EU based customers, GDPR needs to be followed – or businesses can face a hefty fine.

But the data brands collect from customers or people who come across their website is a big issue, no matter where you live. Who gains access to it and why is a growing concern too.

Digital marketing brings huge rewards but it needs to be done ethically, with the minimum amount of data collected by your on customers, clients and followers, if you need to collect data at all.

Why stay on top of digital marketing trends in 2019

If you don’t, you risk falling behind your competition. And when you fall behind, it takes twice the effort, time and resources to catch up and then more again to get back in front.

What you need is a customized digital marketing strategy, producing bespoke solutions for your San Diego business. Above the Fold Agency can help with all aspects of San Diego digital marketing for 2019, from creating a strategy to planning the best way to get results for your small business.

Contact us today to receive a free digital marketing consultation for your business.