Stay in the Know: How to Keep Up With Digital Marketing Trends

How to keep up with digital marketing trends

We’ve identified 10 ways to stay on top of shifting digital marketing trends; such methods include changes related to social media marketing, the metaverse, big data and the Internet of Things (IoT).

1. Consult online publications dedicated to digital marketing.

Web-based publications dedicated to digital marketing, including Search Engine Journal, Marketing Week, eMarketer and Social Media Today, are reliable information resources that will share the latest developments in the digital marketing arena.

For example:

• Learn how big data and the IoT can help marketers gather consumer information and insights; the results can then be used to change your products, services and content to improve the customer experience.
• Learn how the metaverse — a virtual world powered by augmented reality and virtual reality — can power a new range of digital marketing possibilities that appeal to the youngest consumers, Generation Alpha.

While guiding you on cutting-edge digital marketing trends, these online publications can also provide tips and advice on improving and strengthening your existing digital marketing strategies.

2. Participate in certified marketing courses and training programs.

Certified marketing courses and training programs provide a wealth of information about the latest digital marketing trends. You’ll be able to add to your general and niche marketing knowledge, expand your skill set, stay on top of new digital marketing developments, and forecast what’s ahead.

As a bonus, when you add one of the best marketing certifications to your resume, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of digital marketing tools. These tools include social media platforms, Google Ads, Hootsuite, HubSpot and other customer analytics channels.

Three popular online training resources to consider include the Digital Marketing Institute, the American Marketing Association and Udemy.

3. Subscribe to marketing print magazines.

Looking to increase your knowledge while on the move without internet or Wi-Fi? Check out your local newsstand or bookstore for print magazines like Adweek, Marketing Week or Ad Age.

While print articles aren’t as ubiquitous or frequently updated as web content, these magazines provide highly researched information that can teach and inspire.

4. Read blogs dedicated to digital marketing.

Meaningful blog content is an excellent way to stay abreast of the latest digital marketing trends. Popular digital marketing blogs and top advertising blogs with marketing content can help you learn cutting-edge techniques, offer industry advice and learn from the experiences of industry experts.

Some of the most well-respected industry blogs include ProBlogger, SEMrush and MarketingProfs. You never know — following these blogs may turn you into a digital marketing expert in your own right.

5. Connect with digital marketing experts on LinkedIn.

Online professional networking platform LinkedIn is an excellent way to connect with digital marketing experts and interest groups. When you create a business profile on LinkedIn, you can follow marketing influencers and professionals, consult in-depth articles, and visit resources like the Marketing Success Hub.

6. Use social media platforms to follow digital marketing trends.

Social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and even TikTok can be user-friendly channels for staying updated on digital marketing trends.

Use Facebook and Instagram to follow digital marketing industry leaders and receive daily updates with their thoughts and opinions on digital marketing trends and best practices. Browse X’s trending topics to search for specific hashtags or phrases, and set alerts to ensure you receive news in real time.

7. Set up Google Alerts to stay ahead of digital marketing trends.

Use Google Alerts to set up email updates regarding the trends most pertinent to you and your industry. These alerts will appear in your email inbox if you specify broad or narrow interest topics.

For example, you can set up alerts for social media marketing, content writing or anything related to digital marketing. Filter these results further by region, occurrence and relevance. Similarly, you can use the Google News feature to track your industry’s trends and stay current on new digital media best practices as they emerge.

8. Participate in trade shows and exhibitions to network with marketers.

Trade shows and event exhibitions provide excellent opportunities to hobnob with digital marketers, influencers and industry experts. These platforms often introduce the latest products and industry trends, so you’ll be among the first to know and experience new marketing methods and products.

9. Listen to industry podcasts.

There is a wealth of information on digital marketing in podcasts. The nice thing is that you can listen to them while in the car or taking a walk. For information on optimizing your paid advertising, listen to PPC Rockstars Podcast (on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser and more); or you can check out Local SEO Tactics (on Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Spotify and more) or Entrepreneur on Fire (on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Fire App and more) for varied digital marketing topics. Additionally, many of the best business podcasts will include digital marketing content.

10. Follow Influencer Marketing Hub.

The Influencer Marketing Hub website focuses on social media and influencer marketing, as the name implies. However, it also has plenty of information on other digital marketing topics, including affiliate marketing, e-commerce and video editing. It also offers deep dives into niche marketing areas.

Additional digital marketing tips

In addition to bolstering your digital marketing knowledge, try these tips to stay ahead of the curve.

• Conduct a marketing review at least every six months. Assess what’s working and what isn’t in your marketing plan. Allocate a percentage of your marketing budget for six months to try something new.
• Monitor your social media mentions. Social media monitoring tools will tell you what your customers are saying about your business or brand. If you notice you’re a hot topic on a particular platform, try building your presence and possibly advertising there.
• Monitor your competitors’ social mentions. If a competitor(s) is heavily mentioned on a platform, consider whether you want to shift there to counter them and grab the customers for yourself.
• Survey new customers. When you get a new customer, ask them how they found you. Keep and track this valuable marketing survey data to spot trends.
• Hire young people. Millennials and Gen Z employees are digital generations and may be aware of digital trends before you are. Hiring these young professionals can ensure top-notch in-house knowledge.
• Engage an outside marketing agency. Hiring a digital marketing expert or agency is an excellent way to stay on top of trends. Let your rep know you’re flexible and want to be updated on new trends, strategies and platforms.

Remaining flexible amid digital marketing trend fluctuations

Digital marketing success often involves trying new tools, techniques and strategies. Don’t hesitate to experiment. However, if you’re borrowing another company’s strategy, bear in mind that what worked for them may not work for you. If something doesn’t work, find out where you went wrong and improvise accordingly.

As technology changes, updating your knowledge to improve digital marketing strategies is essential. One of the easiest ways to do this is to continue your education and training. Through continuous learning, you’ll uncover the latest digital marketing possibilities and employ those strategies to stay one step ahead of your competitors.