Three Trends for the New Year
Last week we shared three things marketers need to do to get ready for 2021. This week we share three trends of urgent importance to marketers:
1. Virtual events will reach the next level in sophistication. As we patiently await the return of trade shows and in-person experiences, 2021 will fix the somewhat awkward transition we made to virtual events in 2020. B2B brands will need to go beyond standard videos and demos at virtual trade shows while production quality and high-caliber talent will become an arms race in reaching consumers.
2. Social media has evolved once again. User-created social entertainment is in, basic content is out. Brands and influencers have evolved social entertainment into the expected way to drive engagement and 2021 will only see this trend grow.
3. 2021 will be the Year of Retail Media. Hot on Amazon's heels, dozens of retailers both online and offline are building out their media, ROAS and first party data capabilities. Expect Walmart, CVS, Walgreen's and Instacart to lead here, especially for CPG brands sold primarily offline.
It's time to discuss the implications of these trends and the (many) more we are seeing upend marketing in 2021.
-Team Exverus