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2021 digital marketing trends are here.

As a full-time marketer, I spend a lot of time researching and learning from other experts. As the digital world is constantly growing and changing, it is important to continue my own education and look for ideas that I may not be familiar with. After doing the research, here are the top 2021 digital marketing trends that will continue and expand:

Include content

History is as old as time. If your content isn’t engaging and noticeable within the first three seconds, it’s going to flop. What defines engaging content for you will change depending on the target audience, platform and current circumstances. However, the idea of ​​including content should drive all of your initiatives and feed into every other trend. Focus more on good, quality content on fewer platforms than on sub-par content on more platforms.

The shorter the better

Talk about short attention spans! The attention span of today’s students is that of a goldfish, according to Tech.Co, which lasts only about eight seconds. If your digital content isn’t short, sweet, and to the point, you are losing your audience pretty quickly.

Video is top rated

As we’ve seen over the past few years, video remains the most popular way to process information. Algorithms put videos first and this is only supported by new platforms like TikTok, Instagram’s Reels, and YouTube’s Shorts. These 15- to 60-second videos underscore the fact that video is and will stay the preferred content.

ADDITIONAL CREDIT: Drexel University got creative with video marketing and made a music video.

The new video platforms also recommend that if you are not filming vertically – for optimal phone use – this is a good starting point. These apps are specially designed for mobile phones. Although we may not be out and about due to COVID, consumers still use their cell phones more often than desktops.

Audio is on the rise

New for 2021 is audio-only content, like the recent surge in popularity of podcasting and the new Clubhouse app.

While we continue to be socially distant, we still crave human interaction and real conversation and connection. Podcasting gives users a chance to choose and listen to their favorite topics while they do other things. The new Clubhouse app behaves similarly and may provide users with a better connection with one another. While this app is currently only available by invitation, you should consider ways to use audio-only platforms to your advantage.

Authenticity is still the key

Whichever platform you choose, authenticity is key to connecting with your members.

In general, we see a trend towards consumers who distrust brands. The more we can give the name a “face” and get in touch with our students and members on a human level, the more credibility and trust you will build. How can you do that Bring a student voice to feature everyday students in your videos and let the students tell you which platforms they are on and where they want to connect with you.

ADDITIONAL CREDIT: Here is some advice on creating unique social media strategies such as: B. Using your resources and offering diversity.

The bottom line is that students want to see other students, not professional staff. The recreation center should feel like a place that belongs to them, which is best presented in a kind of “show not tell”.

Out-of-the-box ideas

Lastly, I encourage everyone to try a new idea or something their strategy hasn’t seen before. We survive, if not thrive, in such unusual times, why not try something new and take this risk? Set up a Spotify to jam together at home while exercising, partner up with a fitness influencer near you for a live virtual workout, or start a blog with the student voice.

If we don’t take chances this wild year what will make you try new things?

Image courtesy of Shutterstock