The world of marketing is constantly evolving, with new and fun trends popping up everyday. In this episode, we’re talking about what the heck is happening in the online marketing world, what to expect in 2023, and how we local business owners can use this information to our advantage.

Disclaimer: Your marketing strategy should not be just following trends. Your marketing strategy is the heart of your marketing, and if you haven’t taken time or don’t know how to to create one, check out episode 27 where I walk you through just that.

Here is a high level overview of the marketing trends that are working now and that we can expect to see in 2023:

1. Short form video is here to stay
2. Personalization is the name of the game
3. Authentic content wins
4. Email and text marketing are here to stay
5. Pictures are not dead on Instagram

#1: Short Form Video is Here to Stay

Following TikTok’s lead, Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube have all been pushing their own versions of short form video (shorts, Reels, etc.). Video content is very popular and is a great way to connect and build a relationship with your audience. Videos under 10 seconds tend to perform the best. The key is to hook your viewer in from the start. Avoid using filler words in the first few moments of your video, jump right to the point! Every second counts. Trouble with reels? Download my free guide, “10 Instagram Reel Ideas for the Busy Small Business Owner.”

#2: Personalization is the Name of the Game

Adding personal touches to your marketing is a great way to stand out online. AI technology is making it even easier to get personal with your people. Instead of thinking about marketing to the masses this year, think about how you can get more personalized and custom with what you send your audience through tools like email and text. 

#3: Authentic Content Wins

People feel more connected to a business when a business brings the experience of what it’s like to be a customer to them. Rather than spending a bunch of time using graphic design software or staging fancy backgrounds, let your content be more authentic by snapping photos/videos of your products on the shelves of your business, you or your employees working, etc. Believe it or not, people are typically more drawn to the more candid stuff (even if it isn’t as “pretty”)!

#4: Email and Text Marketing are Here to Stay

Even with the rising popularity of social media, email and text are still in style. The return on investment for email is 3,600%. No, that’s not a typo – for every $1 you spend on email marketing, you will see a $36 return. You don’t see that anywhere else. Make sure you are staying on top of this, as consistency is key when it comes to email marketing. Texting is a great tool that should be reserved for more “special occasion” marketing, such as when you have an event coming up or a deal going on.

#5 Pictures are Not Dead on Instagram

Ever since the recent backlash Instagram received for trying to be “too much” like Tiktok, the app has changed its ways toward bringing back more pictures into your feed. Photo reach is increasing, or at least that’s what I’ve seen with my clients. Carousel posts are doing particularly well, so make sure to include some of those in your feed. Reels are not going away, but it’s looking like photos are going to see better performance in 2023.

That’s it for the top marketing trends to look for and utilize in 2023! Don’t forget to download my new free guide, “10 Instagram Reel Ideas for the Busy Small Business Owner”. Until next time, keep running your race.