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 keep up-to-date with the latest developments of every moment in order to stand out in the tough competition.

There are also other emerging changes that you need to know about in order to plan your digital marketing the right way. Let’s take a look here at 5 emerging digital marketing trends that are being talked about a lot in 2018.

1.Less narrative, more video:

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

The growing popularity of YouTube channels itself defines how video content is creating 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 kinds of video formats like flash video, MP4, live streaming, and whatever you think is appropriate for your content. Before planning your video marketing, you need to select the appropriate format from several options.

But keep in mind that with the increasing number of mobile device users, video ads are being seen more on mobile devices. So try to keep your format suitable for mobile viewing.

2. Generate influence on social networks:

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

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

a) What social platforms are most in demand?

b) Where do people get more involved?

c) Where are rivals investing the most?

One more thing, which is important, is to recognize a genuine social media partner because media partners often move to another link in greed for more profit. Digital marketers must recognize the right platform for long-term links to avoid deceptive association threats.

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

3. The EU GDPR Regulation:

The recently applied 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 consumer data on a random basis without customer consent.

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 need to be equipped with great care.

Don’t think you can leave without complying with the GDPR anyway. The EU will fine you up to 4% of your global annual turnover or $ 23 million, whichever is greater. Now, hurry up if you haven’t already.

4. Chatbot control:

Another major digital marketing trend of 2018 is chatbots that have been here for about a year, but are making a huge improvement in artificial intelligence (AI). Therefore, today more companies are leaning towards using Chatbots to market their brands.

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

I) Today, most Chatbots interactions are customer service oriented. Therefore, you should focus more on that factor.

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

AI will control the entire business setup very soon. Digital marketers are advised to prepare their business plan that way to keep up to date.

5. Art of storytelling:

The story format, which was pioneered by Snapchat, has become another major trend in high demand today. The storytelling will be more powerful in the near future. Recently, there are Instagram Stories and YouTube Stories formats, which are very popular with audiences. 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 storytelling art:

a) You should know your target group better. Storytelling for young adults should be different from those for 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 should think about how to make your presence great through the art of storytelling.

In summary, there are many new trends in digital marketing in 2018. It is therefore advisable to plan your marketing strategies in such a way that they give your business an extra advantage. Everyone wants to take their brand ahead of others. So perfect your outline immediately before someone takes your place.