As we move forward into 2018, this is a solid juncture to consider developing disruptive marketing trends for 2018. This trends generally are applicable to businesses of any size and in virtually any industry
Transparency
Transparency is a foundational element of all successful business and customer relationships at this juncture in time. The need for transparency has become a primary element of marketing in 2018. Indeed, the trend for ever increasing transparency is expected to carry forth through this year and continue unabated into 2019 and 2020 and beyond.
Marketing authenticity includes companies that admit their mistakes in the public forum. This aspect of transparent disruptive marketing has been given its own name: “flawsome.”
Mobile Dominates
Although the flip from desktop to mobile domination technically occurred a couple years ago, this reality will never be more … transparent … than is the case in 2018. Marketing of all types needs to have a primary focus on how it works on a mobile device. Those businesses that wed themselves to this reality will be out the pack when it comes to competitive success in 2018.
Content is Tops
Not long ago, some marketing analysts actually wrote content marketing had seen its day. In fact, content it all of its varied forms is king and queen in 2018. Content as become a key area in which disruptive marketing can set the standard for engagement this year and into the foreseeable future.
Focus on User-generated Content
Speaking of content, user-generated content has never been more important. Indeed, many marketing industry observers are taking the position that user-generated content will become more important than branded content in 2018. This includes everything from social media posts to blogs to online reviews. An associated trend in 2018 will be what best can be described as “content co-creating.” This is the creation of content by consumers and brands with some level of cooperation between them.
The Continuing Rise of Social Media
Social media platforms are becoming something of an ecosystem of their own, something that rivals even the original internet, according to some marketing insiders. The theory is that social media platforms have the potential to become not just another internet channel, but the channel. The movement towards social media achieving this primacy very well may occur at some point in 2018, according to marketing analysts. This trend is occurring apace because of the expansive use of mobile devices and increasingly high quality content on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Snapchat.
Brands will Continue to Collaborate with Their Audiences
Another major shift in 2018 will be a significant increase in the manner in which brands collaborate with their audiences. This collaboration is more than what has been occurring between brands and influencers. This move will involve aa broader range of customers, and well beyond identified social media influencers.
Here Comes Generation Z
2018 will also mark the beginning of marketing focus away from Millennials to Generation Z. The shift towards Generation Z is likely to be fully realized in the next five years. Brands that fail to realize the coming change in focus will be left behind. This shift is mote than just a marketing facelift. Generation Z consumers are expected to patronize those brands that are in business for something beyond profits.
Products will Rule
Most disruptive marketing will be centered on products, and note service. Product companies thrive on innovation. Thus, this element of products represents a good fit for the marketing and consumer trends that are anticipated to rule in 2018 and beyond. Innovative products will be deemed to be of more value to consumers.
Personalized Marketing will be the Norm
Finally, when it comes to examining disruptive marketing trends, 2018 is likely to be the year in which personalized and data-driven disruptive marketing will become the standard. Brands that lock their focus on building relationships around great products will be rewarded by consumers.
====
Jessica Kane is a writer for Every USB, where you can create your very own custom usb drive for your brand or company.
