With the swift technological revolution happening, digital marketing is becoming increasingly important for businesses of all sizes. As consumers become more reliant on digital channels for their information and purchase decisions, businesses need to make sure they are staying ahead of the curve. It has become essential to keep up with digital marketing trends to keep up with competition.  

2023 is going to be a big year for businesses changing up their marketing efforts as we see a shift in customer behavior and preference. To help you stay ahead, here are some digital marketing trends that businesses can expect to see in the next year. 

The Rise of Augmented Reality (AR) 

There's a high chance that Augmented Reality (AR) is going to be one of the hottest marketing trends of 2023. With technology becoming more and more advanced, businesses are finding new and innovative ways to use AR to engage with their customers. From marketing campaigns to product demonstrations, AR is being used in a variety of ways to create unique and interactive experiences. And with the holiday season just around the corner, we're sure to see even more creative uses of AR in the months to come. So if you're looking for a marketing edge this year, don't sleep on AR.

More businesses will be using chatbots 

It's no secret that chatbots have been increasing in popularity in recent years. And it's not hard to see why. Chatbots are a digital marketing trend that can save businesses time and money while also providing a personal touch that builds customer relationships. In fact, it's estimated that by 2023, more than 80% of businesses will be using chatbots. That's an increase of almost 30% from 2020. So, if you're not already using chatbots, now is the time to start. They're only going to become more popular in the coming years, so you might as well get ahead of the curve.

Personalized content will become the norm 

If you've been keeping an eye on the type of content that goes around nowadays, you might have noticed that the internet is becoming more and more personalized. From tailored ads to customized news feeds learned by an algorithm, we are increasingly seeing content that has been specifically designed for us as individuals. This trend is only set to continue, as businesses increasingly turn to personalization as a way to stand out from the competition. In a world where we are bombarded with information from all sides, personalized content gives us a much-needed respite. It allows us to filter out the noise and focus on the things that are truly relevant to us. As more and more businesses adopt this approach, personalized content will become the norm, rather than the exception.

Increased focus on data privacy 

If you thought data privacy was only a concern for Facebook and Google, think again. As digital marketers gather more and more data on consumers, data privacy is becoming a top priority for businesses across industries. In fact, it's being called the "new black" of digital marketing, and it's expected to be one of the biggest trends of 2023. So what does this mean for businesses? For starters, they'll need to be more careful about how they collect and use data. They'll also need to provide clearer explanations about why they're collecting data and what they plan to do with it. Finally, they'll need to be transparent about any data breaches that occur. In other words, businesses will need to put their customers' privacy first if they want to stay ahead of the curve in 2023. 

Greater use of AI and machine learning 

We are on the cusp of a new era in computing, one in which artificial intelligence and machine learning will play a central role. These technologies are already beginning to transform our world, and their impact is only going to grow in the years to come. There are many potential applications for AI and machine learning, from helping us to find new cures for diseases to improving the efficiency of our factories. However, there are also some risks associated with these technologies. As they become more powerful, they could potentially be used for military or other coercive purposes. We need to ensure that we develop these technologies responsibly, so that they can be used to improve our lives without jeopardizing our safety. 

Continued growth of influencer marketing 

2019 was a big year for influencer marketing. We saw the rise of micro-influencers, authenticated user-generated content, and even nano-influencers. But what does 2023 have in store for influencer marketing? If the past is any indication, we can expect to see continued growth in this area. Here are three trends that we anticipate will shape the future of influencer marketing: 

1. Greater focus on authenticity: In 2023, brands will be looking for influencers who are authentic and relatable. They want partnerships that feel genuine and organic, rather than forced or fake. This shift is being driven by changes in social media platforms like Instagram, which is cracking down on inauthentic content. As a result, we expect to see more brands working with everyday people who have a genuine connection to their product or service.

2. Increased use of user-generated content: User-generated content (UGC) is one of the most powerful tools in an influencer's arsenal. Not only is it authentic and relatable, but it's also highly shareable. We expect to see more brands leveraging UGC in their influencer marketing campaigns in 2023. This could take the form of featuring customer photos and videos on an influencer's feed, hosting giveaways that encourage fans to share their own UGC, or even partnering with an influencer who creates original UGC around your brand.

3. Greater diversity among influencers: In 2023, we expect to see a greater diversity of voices represented in influencer marketing campaigns. Brands are becoming more aware of the power of inclusion and are seeking out influencers who reflect the diversity of their target audience. This trend is being driven by a growing recognition of the importance of inclusion and representation among consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z'ers. As a result, we anticipate seeing more campaigns that feature diverse influencers from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.

Preparing for Digital Marketing in 2023 

Well, there you have it - six digital marketing trends that we think will be big in 2023. But don't just take our word for it! Start planning your strategy now and see for yourself how these trends can help grow your business. If you need a little help getting started, reach out to us today to speak to one of our marketing specialists. We would be more than happy to provide guidance as you cook up your plan for next year.