Changes in digital marketing trends are as fast as time. Popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube keep updating their feeds continuously. Therefore, it is crucial for digital marketers to stay up-to-date with the latest developments of the moment in order to stand out from the tough competition.

There are also other emerging changes that you need to be aware of in order to plan your digital marketing the right way. Let’s take a look here at 5 emerging digital marketing trends that are getting a lot of talk in 2018.

1. Less narrative, more video:

People are no longer very interested in reading past narratives in digital media; they are looking for eye-catching video content that tells the whole story in a nutshell, thus saving a lot of time. Participation in social networks through uploading and sharing of videos is gaining great popularity.

The growing popularity of YouTube channels defines how video content creates a global impact on viewers. As of July 2015 data, more than 400 hours/minute of video was uploaded to YouTube.

So, if digital marketers plan to build a strong customer base, they should think about delivering their content more through eye-catching videos. Now, you can use different types of video formats like flash video, MP4, live streaming, and whatever you feel is appropriate for your content. Before planning your video marketing, you need to select the right format from various options.
But keep in mind that with the increasing number of mobile users, video ads are seen more on mobile devices. Therefore, try to keep your format suitable for mobile viewing.

2. Create influence in social networks:

Everyone knows what role social networks play in influencing consumers. Therefore, building a long-term relationship with key social media influencers will help digital marketers promote their product quickly.

Digital marketers should plan to spot the right social media influencers to create an authentic partnership that helps promote their business. For that, they must consider some factors:

a) Which social platforms are most in demand?
b) Where do people get more involved?
c) Where are rivals investing more?

One more thing, which is important, is to recognize a genuine social media partner because media partners often move to another link in search of more profit. Digital marketers need to recognize the right platform for long-term partnerships to avoid threats of misleading associations.

Another noteworthy point is to seek to make an organic relationship rather than a monetary association. Because, today’s customers are very smart to detect which ads are made only with money.

3. The EU GDPR Regulation:

The newly enforced EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on May 25, 2018 is the most important data privacy regulation in 20 years. The regulation has been established to harmonize the right to data privacy of all citizens of Europe. Companies can no longer request or use random consumer data without the consent of customers.

Therefore, prepare for these changes as soon as possible. If your company does business throughout the European Union or if you want to collect information from any EU citizen, in both cases, you should be very well equipped.

Don’t think you can still go without being GDPR compliant. The EU will fine you up to 4% of your global annual turnover or USD 23 million, whichever is greater. Now, hurry up if you haven’t already.

4. Chatbot control:

Another big trend in 2018 digital marketing is chatbots, which have been around for about a year now, but are making a big improvement in artificial intelligence (AI). Therefore, nowadays, more companies are inclined to use Chatbots to market their brands.

Now, you need to prepare a few things before using this resource:

I) Currently, most Chatbot interactions are customer service oriented. So, you should focus more on that factor.

ii) You need to think of strategies that focus more on customer service.

AI is going to control the entire setup of the business very soon. Digital marketers are advised to prepare their business plan in such a way to stay up to date.

5. Art of storytelling:

Started by Snapchat, the stories format has now become another major trend that is in high demand now. Storytelling is going to be more powerful in the near future. Recently, there are Instagram Stories and YouTube Stories formats, which are very popular with the public. They all have unique presentation styles with attractive features. Therefore, marketers could focus on the art of storytelling to connect more consumers.

Here are some tips on how to create unique narrative art:

a) You should know your target group better. Storytelling for young adults should be different from those aimed at age groups.

b) You must be up to date with the latest news when creating stories to post.

c) Try to mold your content with fun and entertainment so that readers enjoy reading.

Now, you better think about how to make your presence great through the art of storytelling.

In short, there are many new trends in digital marketing in 2018. Therefore, it is advisable to plan marketing strategies in such a way as to give your business an additional advantage. Everyone wants to get their brand ahead of everyone else. So perfect your scheme immediately before someone else takes your place.