The year is almost over, and that means it’s time to reflect on the biggest trends and game-changing developments that shook the marketing world in 2019.
The evolving digital landscape, shifting consumer behavior, and rapidly changing technologies made headlines, as did traditional marketing methods, like TV and radio advertising. But it wasnt all about flashy headlines and technological advancements. We compiled a list of some of the best books that were released in 2019 and what you should read to stay ahead of the curve.
Top Trends And Shifts In Online Marketing
Many of the headlines and trends in online marketing in 2019 were predictable. The rise of cryptocurrencies, especially with the new tax laws in the U.S., opened up many new opportunities for marketers. In September, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service issued formal guidance on digital currencies and their tax implications. In January, the American Institute of Stress released a survey stating that 44% of adults experience constant anxiety. To overcome this, 24% of respondents said they relied on digital marketing to keep up with the trends and news stories that affect their industry. With the world shifting to a digital sphere, businesses are shifting too.
One of the biggest trends this year is shifting to digital marketing. As we mentioned above, 44% of respondents said they use digital marketing to ease their anxiety. This is in line with another massive trend—the growing interest in mindfulness and meditation. According to a 2019 Attitudes toward Sleep and Relaxation Survey by the American Institute of Stress, 66% of respondents said they get less than seven hours of sleep each night, and 55% said their sleep quality is poor. This is likely because sleep-related anxiety is on the rise too. In the 2018 Sleep Survey, 58% of respondents said they experience insomnia, and 35% experience restless sleep. To combat these issues, 17% of respondents said they use meditation to relax and reduce their anxiety, and 16% use music to help them sleep.
Another big trend this year is the reliance on social media for marketing. The digital marketing industry as a whole grew 17% this year, and respondents say they’re taking advantage of the opportunity presented by social media. In a 2019 Marketing Survey by HubSpot, 82% of respondents said they used social media to promote their brand, and 69% said they planned to increase their social media activity in the near future. Even traditional media such as TV and radio advertisements are seeing a comeback, as respondents in a MarketingCharts survey said they’re shifting to online marketing because it’s easier to find and engage with the consumers they want to reach.
One of the most important shifts in online marketing in 2019 was the rise of content marketing. More businesses are realizing that telling customers what they want to hear rather than asking them what they need is more effective. According to HubSpot, 62% of respondents said they use content marketing to gain brand recognition, and 48% use it to educate potential customers. Creating useful content—like how-to guides, tips, or case studies—is a great way to establish yourself as an authority in your industry and gain credibility with potential customers. For instance, if you’re an accountant, but you create content on how to best manage your finances, you’re displaying your knowledge while also potentially becoming a thought leader in your industry. Essentially, you’re marketing using content to tell consumers what you have to offer, and they’re responding by liking or sharing your content, which then drives traffic to your site.
Best Books For Traditional Marketers
While the future of marketing may be digital, there’s still a place for those who prefer more traditional methods. In fact, many marketers were hired specifically because they have experience in more traditional methods. That being said, marketers who want to move beyond traditional methods and learn something new should consider reading one of the best traditional marketing books of 2019.
According to a 2019 Marketing Industry Survey by Creative Market, 74% of respondents said they utilized digital marketing strategies in 2019, while only 22% used traditional methods. Perhaps the most interesting stat from this survey is that 17% of respondents said they’re going to incorporate more of a digital marketing approach into their marketing plans in the future. That means marketing as we know it is continually evolving, and so should we. While it’s never been more important to build a brand that stands out, it’s also never been more crucial to keep up with the times. With changing consumer behavior and the influence of social media, traditional methods may not be as effective as they once were. But that doesn’t mean they’re useless. It just means we need to find a way to fit them into a digital era.
Best Books On Demand
Even if you don’t have the time to read a book right now, chances are, you can find the perfect one to listen to on your MP3 player. In fact, you can probably listen to one right now. Podcasts, like podcasts, came back with a bang in 2019, and marketers are taking advantage of this resurgence. A 2019 Marketing Charts survey found that 57% of respondents said they use podcasts to gain product knowledge, and 49% said they use them to stay informed about industry trends. Having recently emerged from the shadows, podcasts are now a part of everyday life for many people, and marketers should take advantage of this trend and incorporate podcasts into their marketing strategies.
The world of on-demand books is evolving too. In the past, you might have had to go to the library or bookshop to find the books you wanted to read. But with the rise of e-books and audiobooks, finding a good read has never been easier. Thanks to platforms like Audible, you can now download audiobooks directly to your mobile device. With this type of innovation, it’s easier than ever to find the books you want to read wherever you are, whenever you want.
In terms of learning something new, nothing quite compares to hearing an experienced speaker explain the complex issues that surround your industry in an easy-to-follow manner. This type of learning is exactly what you get with an on-demand book, whether you want to learn about marketing analytics, SEO, conversion optimization, or even how to write a business plan. By listening to an experienced speaker explain the key concepts, you’re able to better understand the fundamentals of your industry and how to work within those constraints to become a better practitioner.
In terms of e-books and digital marketing, it’s important to remain informed about the latest trends and methods. That’s why you should read one of the best e-books available on digital marketing this year.
These books will help you stay ahead of the curve and remain relevant in a sea of constant change.