When my grandfather worked with early computers at Ford Motor Company, they were so large they took up an entire room. According to Pingdom, the first hard disk drive with one gigabyte of capacity was introduced in 1980 and was the size of a refrigerator. Today, smartphone users have more advanced computers that can fit in a pocket and come in a variety of colors! For example, the iPhone 7 offers 256 GB of capacity.
Businesses must continue to adapt to evolving technologies. As marketers, we can either view tech changes as challenges or exciting opportunities for growth and innovation.
Here are five major tech trends will impact the marketing industry in 2017.
1) Artificial Intelligence
This year, marketers can take advantage of AI advancements to improve our content management systems. According to The Next Web:
“AI can also be used to help format content for SEO, discover relevant content for curation, and automate content distribution.”
View our latest infographic to learn more about artificial intelligence trends.
2) Virtual Reality
In 2015, Google released a mobile-friendly algorithm update, and marketers raced to ensure their content was mobile-friendly. Similarly, in upcoming years, businesses must prepare to create virtual reality marketing content. According to PMX Agency:
“Since VR allows you to create completely immersive experiences where the user feels like they are transported to another world, it’s a way for brands to get a customer’s undivided attention. A no-distractions moment is a marketer’s dream.”
Investment and tech advancements will make VR more affordable to consumers. By 2020, Forrester analyst, J.P. Gownder, estimates that 52 million VR headsets will be sold in the US.
3) Wearable Devices
In addition, consumers are increasingly using wearable devices. Wearables create “micro-moments” for marketers to deliver a brand message These moments are short, intent-filled time periods when consumers are seeking information relating to a product or service. Brands must deliver messages that are concise, carefully timed, and personally relevant to connect with customers through wearable devices.
4) Live Streaming
Many business professionals are already using living streaming platforms such as Periscope and Facebook Live to connect with their audiences. Popular streaming occasions include live events, customer service offerings, Q&A sessions, and product demonstrations. Live video is an excellent way to connect with potential customers in real time. Consumers are increasingly demanding accessible video content across industries. In fact, Cisco predicts video traffic will account for 82% of global consumer Internet traffic by 2020.
By 2020, #video traffic will account for 82% of global Internet traffic. Click To Tweet5) Social Commerce
Many consumers use social media sites such as Pinterest to find inspiration for future purchases. In 2015, Instagram opened up their app to advertisers with sponsored posts and “shop now” buttons. This year, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram will introduce improved commerce features to encourage in-app purchases. In the near future, social media platforms will become increasingly blended with e-commerce sites.
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