Although we live in the present, casting aspersions about how the future’s going to pan out might seem somewhat disruptive. However, seasoned analysts have proven time and time again that while predictions aren’t 100% accurate, they come to the fore regardless.
Before we venture into the inner workings attached to the term “digital marketing,” it’s essential to take a look at the stand-alone concept of marketing first.
Well, “marketing” has been around for a while, with its earliest form dating back to the 16th century. In simple terms, marketing involves the process of buying and selling in a market.
That said, while the concept of marketing remains evergreen, the shape it takes place in today is entirely different, with technology being at the forefront of everything we do.
Taking a closer look at the future of digital marketing 2030, some people might have reservations as to how these forecasts are conceived.
If you’ve been in a history class, you’ll understand how things that happened in the days gone by shaped our present and, invariably, what will occur in the years ahead. In commerce, this analogy applies as basing future marketing trends on the past is feasible.
The Present: Taking a Cue From the Current Tech Giants
For some degree of perspective on the future of digital marketing 2030, we’ll be giving you real-world scenarios of how several tech giants in operation at the moment began their digital marketing journey. That way, you can see that happenings from before have a bearing on what’s obtainable today.
First off, we’ll be taking a closer look at the social media “Superstar” Facebook. While this platform is famous today, it came from some humble beginnings, which included some form of digital marketing. During its formative years, what’s now known as “Facebook Advertising” didn’t gain too much popularity as digital marketing was a subject relegated to the background.
However, according to a recent report, Facebook has been able to garner $25.43 billion. Guess what? Facebook made this figure together in the first quarter of 2021. Mind-blowing, right? If things continue in this fashion, this number could exceed $100 billion after the fiscal year.
While the numbers are terrific, the question – where did these amounts enter when Facebook Advertising hadn’t come to the fore? – becomes a common query.
The answer? Common mass media mediums. Before Facebook and the whole concept of digital marketing came to be, people usually got lured into buying products through TVs, radios, and newspapers (some outlets had dedicated “ad” segments).
Fast forward to today, other top entities like Amazon and Google have joined the digital train leading to hundreds of billions being pumped into these mediums by individuals and businesses alike.
Now, you can see how things have tilted in the marketing industry from 10 years ago. So, what’s bound to happen in the next decade or five years from now?
While no one knows for sure, people have begun speculating what they think would be obtainable in the next decade. While this article aims to give you some futuristic predictions for 2030, it’s worthy to note that not all things will come to actualization.
With this “Caveat Emptor” out of the way, let’s take a look at how the advertising and marketing scene might shape up to be in 2030. Interesting times ahead? Let’s head right in!
The Future of Digital Marketing: A Total Rehaul or Some Modifications to What’s Observable Today?
While many people might be uninterested in this topic, with the mantra “what will be, will be,” individuals looking to change the rationale are constantly on the lookout for updates. Why? While we’re not in the future yet, one thing is sure – if you can’t step up to the competition as a business, you’ll struggle.
Therefore, analysts have engaged data, logic, and science all at once to give us some insight into the future of advertising. The results are pretty interesting. In 2030, the notable changes in advertising will include:
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Advertising
While AIs are currently in use in today’s world, the year 2030 will mark an absolute revamp in this department. Let’s see how:
Brain Interface Advertising
For most, the term “Brain Interface Advertising” might come off as a strange concept. If you’re part of this group, there’s no need to bow your head as this concept is in its “testing phase.”
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t seek out some piece of information for yourself as to what entity is at the forefront of this technology.
As it stands, Elon Musk and some top-tier scientists at Neuralink are developing tools that will foster communication with the brain. Taking a look at Neuralink’s official website, their goal, in simple terms, is: “With the right team, the applications for this technology are limitless.”
While some people might see this as a scary development, 2030 would see wide adaptation as tech-savvy folks will likely make bookings first.
Can you imagine adverts sent directly to your brain? Although it’s one stellar prospect, we’re sure you have some chills running down your spine at the moment. With the privacy concerns of this product in a grey area, it’s now time to play the “long game” and see how things will materialize.
Programmatic Advertising
The idea of programmatic advertising is pretty straightforward. Rather than relying on traditional media mediums for adverts, the emphasis is placed on automated technology.
Succinctly put, this form of advertising involves generating ads for the end-users based on their activity online. Also, programmatic advertising takes things a notch further as it ensures that the likelihood of a user buying into an advertised service ranks high.
For example, this digital marketing agency from Brisbane, Australia already provides programmatic advertising services globally.
Bot Optimized Marketing
Bot optimized marketing will reign supreme in 2030. Tagged to fit in amongst the biggest trends in online marketing during that period, businesses, while addressing actual people (end users), will also relay their sale messages to the bot. We didn’t mince words here, BOTS!
Although this might seem confusing at first, scenarios like this are bound to occur due to the behavioral changes expected in humans. In 2030, people will leave their purchase decisions for boys to make. So, a “what smartphone brand is considered the best gift?” Google query won’t exist.
People will put their trust and confidence in the decisions of AI-based software to get them what they need at any given point. Thus, businesses would have to sell what they have to these applications to bolster sales and make revenue.
Location-based and AR-based Advertising
By 2027, experts estimate the use of IoT (Internet of Things) to reach the 41 billion mark. With network connectivity likely to evolve further during this period, advertisements, invariably, will be done based on presence and location to eke out effective results. While this concept might seem difficult to grasp, let’s simplify things.
So, let’s say it’s 5 AM (your awake time), and you go online to seek out shoes that are perfect with tuxedos. After searching and sifting through numerous adverts, you finally settle on one, and all that remains is making the actual purchase.
Something comes up, and you leave home forgetting about this activity and engage in other things like going to the gym, doing some exercise, and so on. Now, as you head home, you walk past a digital screen showcasing different ads and from nowhere, you spot the same shoe browsed on your phone earlier.
While this might be a shocking development in the now, it’s bound to happen by 2030. The purpose? Reigniting your interest, which in turn, propels you to make a purchase.
Content Quality and Originality
You’ll understand the importance of content quality and originality on all posts if you’re running a blog. At the moment, search engines like Google have put some add-ons to ensure that plagiarism of any form is reduced to the barest minimum possible.
In 2030, people looking to craft 100% original and perfect content can employ AI-based tools to make this task come to fruition.
While this speculation is true as these apps are being tested nowadays, the question is – will it be good enough to trigger human connections? Well, that remains to be seen.
If AIs can carry out tasks of this nature accurately, businesses might drop their human workforce and engage these tools full-time.
Powerful Messages and Shorter Ads
Besides content originality and quality, the future of online ads in 2030 will be short and powerful. Unlike what’s obtainable in 2021, whereby advertisements have long write-ups that are usually boring to go through, the adverts of 2030 will be direct and punchy.
At this time, we’ll see hot topic advertisements ignite our purchase decision within seconds of viewing. While this theory is tested out today, it’ll become full-blown come 2030.
Personalized Products Marketing
One term – dropshipping. This form of e-commerce in 2030 won’t be financially sound for entrepreneurs anymore. While this point might earn some backlash, let’s see why it’s a possibility.
The future of digital marketing 2030 is that businesses would hold buyers in high esteem. Rather than companies producing generic services to cater to the needs of a large number of people, products will be crafted according to individual specifications.
For example, fashion retail outlets will make dresses that tally a person’s measurement. While it’ll be a loss to drop shippers, the e-commerce market will be buzzing with opportunities.
Imagine ordering an item that’s specially crafted to fit your needs in every ramification. If you dreaded previous predictions, this should bring a smile to your face. Things are about to get interesting real SOON!
Ads in Self-driving Cars
A few years ago, if someone would’ve said something about self-driving cars, people would’ve laughed at them, as it was deemed impossible. However, with Elon Musk and Tesla making this dream visible in 2021, it’s only a matter of time before self-driving cars reign supreme on roads worldwide.
In 2030, however, self-driving cars are expected to dominate proceedings globally. So, what happens when a vehicle is driving itself? Today, the answer would be listening to music or watching blockbuster movies on various technological mediums.
That said, like Tesla, self-driving cars in 2030 would have screens embedded across several focal points. Occasionally, these monitors would display ads, and since you’re in the car, there’s almost no way that you can miss them.
Try Before You Buy Marketing
From the conceptual outlook alone, this looks like an exciting term. In the next decade, expect to see VR (Virtual Reality) in its full regalia. During this time, people won’t need to physically visit a restaurant & other business entities as they can see what they want at the convenience of their homes.
Consequently, industries are going to adopt these advert mediums. By doing so, they can attract customers if their offerings are worthwhile.
Marketing Channel Diversification
Although marketing is the main drive of businesses in today’s world, 2030 would see entities turning towards other mediums of advertisements rather than the norm – through a select platform.
Talking about platforms, Google Ads and Facebook Advertising are platforms favored by a large chunk of companies worldwide. However, in 2030, these platforms won’t be the mainstay of advertising as more and more marketing start-ups open their doors.
Consequently, with this market touted to be diversified and competitive, we might see businesses keying into 5 – 7 marketing initiatives to get the proper response from consumers.
Major Takeaway
The digital content trends likely to exist by 2030 reiterates one fact – consumers would be at the epicenter of every business, organization, and firm. Although some speculations might come off as a long shot, it’ll be interesting to see what the year 2030 has in store for individuals & businesses alike.
That said, if you’re interested in programmatic advertising (a critical point in 2030 digital marketing) to yield more conversions for your business, you don’t have to wait a decade to try this marketing form out, as it’s already being used today.