For many years marketing departments felt like they were at the end of the line in order of importance as products and sales gained steam. And when times got tough it was often the marketing area that saw cuts. This has totally changed in the COVID era as reaching potential clients in up to now unconventional methods puts marketing in the driver’s seat. The rules have changed, but the desired results have not.

It is no surprise that there has been a complete transformation in marketing. And the good news is that marketing spend by companies is back in a big way. The transformation has largely seen a shift in companies going from a defensive posture, to on the offensive. At the core of this has been a continued move into digital. Being able to reach current and prospective clients through new interfaces has been a big goal. This may be through the company website, a landing page, or other digital methods such as over mobile. Automation is also massive now. Sure, this takes investment, but the returns can be well worth the costs. From the marketer’s perspective, anything that was once being done manually can now be done through automation with room for a big return.

The use of AI is on the move as companies see the angle of customization. And with so many companies now using AI and machine learning when it comes to service, competitors that are not using these strategies are at a huge disadvantage. Consumers now expect companies to not only to know what they want, but to have a complete understanding of their wants and needs. Only data driven through AI and machine learning can get you there.

Lastly, with COVID being such a game-changer, hiring has really picked up for marketing professionals with the right skills in the new era. A year ago, many marketers were fighting for their lives as a dive in global sales impacted everything, but marketing has staged a comeback. What a difference a year makes.

Here is an example of a new marketing approach

An avatar-based virtual event is a new way to attract audiences and here are three platforms for marketers to possibly consider for your event this year.

 

Event Farm

Photo: Courtesy of Event Farm

Teooh

Photo: Courtesy of Event Farm

 

Virtway Events

Photo: Courtesy of Event Farm