With so many unprecedented changes to our lifestyles last year, there’s no foolproof way to predict digital marketing trends for 2021. If there’s one lesson that digital and social media marketers should take away from 2020, it’s that we need to expect the unexpected. Without the comfort of predictability, those of us who occupy the digital marketing space need to admit the uncomfortable truth: that we need to keep flexible and stay on our toes. As we near the end of the first month of 2021, we took a look at some key digital marketing trends we think will be important this year.

1) A Growing Emphasis on eCommerce

In 2020, Facebook announced a new feature: ‘Shops’ for Facebook and Instagram. Facebook Shops makes it easy for businesses to set up an online store for customers to access. Brands can conveniently feature products from their catalogues. This way, businesses can easily create online stores that are easy for consumers to use, regardless of size or budget. Facebook remains the worlds most popular social media platform, and by evolving to accommodate online shopping on the platform, shopping online could become easier and simpler than ever for millions of mobile users. Instagram will also feature a new Shop tab that would allow users to easily purchase products they see on the social media app. Last year, we also predicted that eCommerce would be an important focus for digital marketers. We believe the same will be true in 2021, with even more revenue options being rolled out for brands online.

2) Search Engine Optimisation is More Essential than Ever

The algorithms that rule search engines are constantly evolving. As digital marketers, it’s essential that we evolve along with them. In 2020, users turned to trusty Google more than ever before to understand what was going on in the world. Search engine optimisation is one of the most effective ways that we can help users receive the information they’re looking for. If you’re a business with a website, don’t underestimate the value of good SEO for your site. Even small details like image alt attributes and text formatting on your webpages can make a huge difference. Make sure your audience knows how to find you by optimizing your online content effectively.

3) The Rise of TikTok (and Instagram’s competitor: Reels)

TikTok is one of the fastest-growing social media apps in the world. From 500 million users in December 2019, the app now has close to a billion users today. With a variety of features (including face filters, sound effects, and music), TikTok allows users to share and watch short videos. Initially popular for lip-syncing songs and sharing dancing videos, TikTok’s audience has since evolved. Today, there’s a rich variety of educational, entertaining, comedic, and engaging content on the app. As the app has grown, more and more companies now use it to advertise. Additionally, many influencers on TikTok partner with companies to create branded content. With the app seeing such rapid growth, we’re excited to see what the future has in store. We predict that more and more brands will begin using the platform for business opportunities. As digital marketers, we need to be ready! In response to TikTok’s popularity, last year Instagram implemented a competitive feature called Reels. Instagram users are encouraged to engage with and create their own TikTok-esque content. Will it stick around and become a strong contender? Only time will tell.

To compare this year’s digital trends to what we predicted last year, read our blogpost Key Digital Trends for 2020. For more articles, advice, and blog posts about all things digital, make sure to read our blog!