7 Marketing Lessons From 2021

In 2021, there were several important changes within the marketing world. Some of these focused on new technologies and automation, while others emphasized the importance of authenticity. Below is a list of 7 marketing lesson we learned from 2021

Marketing Lessons #1: Automation

Automation was a major trend in marketing in 2021 and it’s predicted that by 2026, the majority of companies will be using some form of automation for their marketing needs.

Automation has been used to improve customer experience and save time on repetitive tasks. Additionally, it has helped marketers move away from being overly promotional to focusing more on creating valuable content for customers’ needs.

Marketers are also working with bots to create personalized offers based on an individual’s preferences and location, which can make an impact during seasons when people are looking for gifts.

B2B marketers found bot technology useful as well because they were able to automate email campaigns, social media posts, and website content without investing too much time into developing these assets themselves.

Marketing Lesson #2: DE&I

Toward the end of 2021, there was a major push for Diversity, Equality & Inclusion. This focus meant increased demand for businesses whose staff was representative of different cultures, genders, and races/ethnicities. And it became a major part of marketing products or services in order to increase the likelihood that they’ll appeal to a wide range of people.

Diversity, equality, and inclusion aren’t just moral issues – they’re also good for business. Research has shown that companies with more diverse workforces are more innovative and successful than those without.

So if you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve, it’s time to start implementing policies that support diversity, equality, and inclusion.

Marketing Lesson #3: Accessibility

Just like DE&I, accessibility became a top priority for businesses in 2021. This was largely due to the fact that more and more people are using assistive technologies to interact with the digital world.

Businesses realized they needed to make their websites, products, and services accessible to everyone, including those with hearing and sight impairments. Successful businesses will go beyond mere accessibility by thinking about brand experiences through the lens of the disabled or those with other specific needs.

Making your business accessible to everyone can help you reach a larger audience and improve your bottom line.

Marketing Lesson #4: Authenticity

In 2021, we saw a rise in the number of businesses that were using authenticity in their marketing. This was a successful strategy for many brands because it gave consumers an increased sense of trustworthiness and credibility.

Customers want to know that they can trust what they’re buying and that the company they do business with is honest and responsible. Authenticity affects how people make buying decisions and a lack of it can quickly lead to a loss in market share.

In fact, studies have shown that 80% of consumers responded better to brands that are authentic.

Marketing Lesson #5: Flexibility

In an age where everything is changing so quickly, it’s important for marketers to be flexible.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to marketing, and in 2021 we saw a rise in the number of marketers who were prepared for this. Being flexible means being able to adapt your products or services in response to customer requests without spending too much time or money on development.

Whether your customers want you to offer different payment options, try out new locations, or change what you do in order to better meet their needs – flexibility will be a key factor in your success moving forward.

Marketing Lesson #6: Omnichannel

The omnichannel business has become the norm rather than the exception. Across all industries, it’s imperative that companies are able to give customers easy access to their products and services through every available medium – whether that’s online or offline.

It used to be enough for businesses simply to establish an online presence; but now consumers expect them to be accessible wherever they are, regardless of what technology they’re using. This means having fully functional websites, apps that work on both mobile devices and standard computers, and material goods that can easily be delivered or picked up in person.

Not every channel will work for every brand, so businesses need to take a more tailored approach and focus on specific channels that align with their brand identity and image.

Marketing Lesson #7: Social Issues

Thanks to the proliferation of social media, people are more aware of the problems in the world than ever before. They’re no longer content to just sit back and do nothing – and they want businesses to take a stand on social issues, too.

Businesses that fail to address the social issues that matter to their consumers may risk losing them. Successful brands of 2022 will be more than a part of the conversation – they’ll be leading the way on these issues.

Ready, Set, Go!

These 7 lessons highlight how important it is for marketers to create relationships with consumers based on authenticity, transparency, and empathy in order to be successful today.

Keep in mind that these are general trends and that your specific industry may have its own unique needs that need to be taken into account. But if you’re able to stay up-to-date on the latest changes and developments, you’ll be well on your way to success in the years to come.

If you’re looking to take your business to the next level in 2022, we’d love to help you!