As technology improves and social channels proliferate, digital marketing seems to get more and more complex as the years go on. With new platforms and buzzwords, staying ahead of the curve can be a challenge.

This constantly evolving business must adapt to consumer demands, keeping marketers on their toes. The good news is that the digital marketing trends to look at in 2022 are all things within your reach. Here are the top 5 trends to watch out for this year.

#1. User-Generated Content

User-generated content can have a big impact on any brand. The psychology behind it is pretty easy to understand as well. It’s much easier to believe someone saying, “That product worked so well for me.” versus “My product is the best.” It’s the new version of testimonials and it’s more powerful than ever.

Any company or brand will always prefer their own products and services, but having user-generated testimonials or the voice of customers will always hold more weight. Plus, people really like to have their voices heard. Whether or not you ask for feedback, using a simple hashtag can get people talking about your brand with little or no effort on your behalf.

Take Oreo for example. Its #AtHomewithOreo campaign during the Covid-19 pandemic got people excited to share their photos and recipes of Oreos, generating 249 million impressions and 29 million video views.

#2. Social Media

Now that Facebook has changed its name to Meta it’s looking to continue to dominate the social media market. The power of social media has proven time and time again that it’s a force to be reckoned with. Its potential to reach audiences and affect their opinions cannot be understated.

With Meta branching out and incorporating multiple platforms, the world is ever-increasing its connectedness. Meta is heavily investing in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) platforms and with the resources they control, it will likely become more common to see these used by businesses and advertisers as consumers become more comfortable with them.

#3. Video Marketing

Video continues to be an impressively powerful tool for digital marketers with no end in sight. Using video as a marketing medium allows your customers to relate to your brand in a more personal way. According to Lifting Group, 90% of viewers are more convinced by information in a video, making them more likely to purchase a product or service.

Implementing a powerful video strategy is easier than ever now thanks to digital marketing template video downloads, stock video clips and backgrounds, as well as customizable brandable video content.

TikTok and live streaming video content is the next logical step in this process, bringing customers closer than ever through platforms that engage

#4. Data Collection & Consumer Privacy

This is the last year that marketers have before Google phases out third-party cookies in 2023. The death of third-party cookies means that data collection is now in the hands of businesses (and marketers) themselves.

This year, it’s important to work towards becoming self-sufficient in collecting zero and first-party data, focusing on consumer privacy, so as not to be reliant on other entities for the data of your own audience.

There are several ways to get started in taking control of data collection, such as email lists, social media, newsletters, and other CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tools.

#5. Create an Experience

The importance of word-of-mouth marketing has never diminished; it’s simply evolved into a digital version of itself. With modern information overload, that type of marketing is growing more and more difficult to achieve.

That’s why savvy digital marketers are working hard to create memorable experiences for their customers at every stage of the customer journey. Google calls these experiences “micro-moments” and they’re akin to targeted advertising.

Within seconds, you can grab your customers’ attention with “want to know”, “want to go”, “want to buy” moments that really resonate with your audience.

Follow the Trends

No one can predict the future but hopefully, these digital marketing trend projections offered some insight as to where to focus your attention in the coming months.

While there are many more opportunities to evolve in digital marketing, staying abreast of the biggest opportunities and taking advantage of them is what will give savvy businesses an edge against their competition in the next year.