6 Major Marketing Trends in 2021

There’s no argument that 2020 is one of the hardest years all around. Businesses across the board were forced to quickly pivot in order to stay afloat. Brands that couldn’t sustain themselves were forced to shut down. Now that we’re all rounding out the year and looking ahead, the path seems uncertain as consumers and brands adapt to a new lifestyle- relearning what’s working. 

For 2021 there are marketing trends that we can look towards that will help drive our brands while securing awareness and engagement in the marketplace. In a recent report by Deloitte, they shared that, “Breaking out of our often defensive mindsets to more holistically — and authentically — meet human needs.” They had further identified the 6 marketing trends that brands are diligently working towards. 

1. Trust 

Trust is created when what is promised is delivered. Brands will not only be accountable but they will deliver transparent trust to consumers. To this point, it’s also important to think about shifting focus from demographics to values between brands and consumers. Shared values between both will create a better connection and stronger engagement. 

2. Human Connection 

This one we all feel it. The lack of human connection has become something that we deeply crave. Making authentic connections is more meaningful now than before. Brands are finding creative ways to recreate human connection on digital. As we have all seen with the rise in popularity of Zoom meetings and VR/AR events.  

3. Agility 

Imagination and innovation are at the bedrock of agile marketing. Brands who understand this will reap the rewards. 

4. Purpose 

Knowing what your brand stands for is going to set you apart from others and create a strong presence in the marketplace. When brands understand their purpose it will uniquely position them to handle unexpected change. 

5. Participation 

Engagement with your customer base is deeper than just giving advice, online reviews, and social media likes. Brands have to participate in the conversation and create meaningful content that aligns with customers. 

6. Talent Transformation

Marketing teams need to be agile when it comes to developing their teams. It’s about developing new talent that will differentiate them in the marketplace to provide them with a competitive advantage.  

Marketing is an ever changing landscape. But with digital technology forced into hyper speed by the pandemic, it has created new innovative ways to reach customers. Brands will have to stay vigilant in creating and recreating how they engage, sell, and authentically reach the world.