Can you believe we’re nearly halfway through 2019 already?! It’s important to start thinking ahead about the marketing trends you can expect to emerge or intensify in 2020 so that you’re prepared for their potential impact on the playing field.
Below are the three biggest trends that CQ’s marketing experts think you should know about now. Because trust us—the future of marketing is coming quicker than you think!
1. Optimizing for on-SERP SEO aka. “on-Search Engine Results Page (SERP) Search Engine Optimization (SEO)”
That’s called a zero-click result, and it’s just begun to change the game in terms of SEO. People want their information quicker than ever before. Google has heard their plea and you can bet it’s giving the people exactly what they seek.
Roughly 61.8 percent of search results across Google are now being answered with zero-click results – changing the real estate space on the coveted “Page 1” of Google and, in turn, making more and more keywords less profitable. Google is spidering through the top results of relevant content for any keyword or search query and serving up “featured snippets.”
It’s still a bit of a waiting game as far as how this will change SEO at large. For now, just know that the more real estate you can hold on Page 1, the better off you are.
You can do this by keeping your website fresh with relevant content and vie for that coveted #1 spot or even a featured snippet. Check out your keywords to see where zero-click results are coming up in your area and where those featured snippets are pulling from. Also, see what questions people are asking relevant to our industry and provide concise answers to those questions on your website.
2. Optimizing for voice search
Just ask your BFF: Siri, Alexa or Cortana – voice search is shaking up the way we conduct search queries. That’s right, 20 percent of all search queries on Google are now being conducted by voice search.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and personal digital assistants are making it easier for busy people to get answers to their questions fast and hands-free. The outcome: marketing content has become more conversational. Make sure you are watching this trend and adding a conversational (yet professional) tone to any unique content or blogs on your website.
But our friendly AI voice assistants aren’t just here to give us answers—the next wave in voice search will be a shift towards transactions. Amazon’s Alexa can already place an order for pizza from Domino’s or request a ride with Uber. Voice assistants will soon be able to book appointments and perform more transactions for us. This may sound like the plot of an episode of Black Mirror, but we promise it’s real – so buckle up!
3. Chatbots
AI is #trending. Chatbots are taking over the customer service space and are starting to replace human agents in some areas. Believe it or not, 56 percent of customers prefer to communicate with customer service reps via instant message rather than pick up the phone.
The most common use of chatbots is in the form of instant message pop-ups on business websites. These messaging tools not only give customers 24/7 access to support, but they can also capture leads and help move customers along to their point of purchase.
Of course, there are situations when a human agent can provide much more detailed and personalized customer service, but for FAQs and scheduling appointments, chatbots can help save time, cut costs, and provide convenience to customers.
The world of marketing is constantly changing. That’s why it’s important to partner with a company like CQ Partners to ensure your marketing strategy adapts to these changes. If you want to chat about any of these trends or talk strategic marketing, contact our team of experts today at marketing@cq-partners.com!
