In today’s digital age, online marketing is necessary for businesses to survive and thrive. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are no exception. More consumers have shifted their purchasing behaviour to online platforms, with 90% of internet users in Malaysia have made online purchases. So it’s becoming more important for SMEs to keep up with the latest digital marketing trends to remain competitive.
Digital marketing effectively enables SMEs to reach their target audience and grow their business. This article will discuss some of the emerging digital marketing trends SMEs in Malaysia should look out for in 2023.
Personalisation and Targeting
Using data analytics tools, you might figure out customers’ purchase history, browsing behaviour, and demographic information. This is part of the digital marketing trends where businesses can deliver personalised messages to customers based on their interests, behaviour, and preferences.
If you’re selling custom anime canvas shoes, for example, you can use this data to target the right audience; people who like Japanese anime, people who collect unique shoes, and others with similar interests. In 2023, we can expect more SMEs to adopt hyperlocal targeting, which involves targeting customers in a specific geographical area.
Voice Search Optimisation
Voice search is growing rapidly, and it’s estimated that by 2023, 8 billion voice assistants will be in use worldwide. More consumers use voice search and voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant to find products and services.
To optimise content for voice search, SMEs can use conversational language and long-tail keywords that mimic how people naturally speak. They can also ensure that their website is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate. According to 73% of web designers, a non-responsive look on your website might be why a visitor leaves the site.
Video Marketing
Video marketing is growing in popularity, and it is estimated that by 2023, video content will account for 82% of all internet traffic. This digital marketing trend effectively allows SMEs to showcase their products or services, tell their brand story, and engage with their customers.
However, it takes work to come up with a good video. The first three seconds are an essential part of hooking your audience. Only 65% of users who watch the first three seconds might continue to the ten-second mark. Keep the videos short and engaging, and use captions to make them accessible to all users.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (AR) is an emerging digital marketing trend involving technology to superimpose digital content onto the physical world. Customers can “try” the product they’re interested in before buying. Thanks to this new technology, 72% of customers bought things they didn’t plan to buy.
By 2023, the AR market is predicted to reach US$26.92 million. SMEs can incorporate AR into their marketing efforts by using AR-powered ads, creating AR-powered mobile apps, and using AR-powered product demos. From trying makeup to test driving a car, it’s possible with AR!
Influencer Marketing
Social media helped to give birth to new influencers with thousands and millions of followers. SMEs can use influential people to promote their products or services. As more consumers turn to social media for recommendations, influencer marketing is becoming an increasingly effective way to reach new customers.
Many influencers usually focus on one niche only, and their followers share similar interests. If you open a restaurant, you can ask a famous food blogger to review the menus. The benefit of this digital marketing trend is that it can drive significant ROI, with businesses earning an average of more than $5 for every $1 spent on the campaign.
Digital marketing uses digital channels to promote a business’s products or services. For SMEs, digital marketing can be a game-changer, as it provides a cost-effective way to reach their target audience and compete with larger businesses. By staying up-to-date with these digital marketing trends and incorporating them into marketing efforts, SMEs can reach their target audience, improve customer engagement, and grow their business.