We’re heading for another big shake up in marketing next year (what’s new?). And now that it’s December, it’s time to roll up our collective sleeves and get stuck into the changes that will be coming our way. As always, what actually happens is going to be very different to how most of us imagine it to be. Chatbots, not people, will be talking to our customers, and marketers are going to be getting more and more invested in the ad blocking arms race as savvy consumers try to hide their personally identifiable information from businesses and governments they see as a threat.
Check out these interesting and sometimes outright weird marketing trends expected to arrive in the year ahead.
ROI Metrics Will Dominate
At the moment, companies are using things like CPMs to measure the performance of their websites. The idea is that the higher the rate of conversion on their websites, whether it’s downloads, signups, or purchases, the better. But the problem with these data is that they are very mono-dimensional. Companies aren’t able to measure what the return is on their investment very easily. After all, different conversions have different values, and converting one set of customers can be a lot more costly than converting another set.
In the coming year, it is expected by Forbes and other experts that ROI-based performance metrics will come to dominate. Companies will be able to get real-time information on how much it cost them to generate an individual conversion, as well as how much that conversion cost relative to the amount of value generated by it. This new approach will then make it easier for companies to dedicate their precious marketing dollars to those instances that will generate the highest return.
Businesses Will Uncover Dark Social
Knowing where customers came from online is important. But right now, many people are choosing to keep their identities hidden, thanks to ever-increasing intrusion on their lives by governments and to a lesser degree, companies. This has led to the widespread adoption of encrypted, private messaging apps that effectively block out the ability of businesses to collect data. The problem with this is that companies rely on knowing which channels people are coming from to optimize their marketing strategies. If for instance, they’re getting lots of traffic from Facebook, but not very much from Twitter, it doesn’t make sense to plow investment dollars into Twitter.
Next year, companies will get tools that will help them uncover the world of dark social. GetSocial.io, for instance, can help firms find out where their customers are coming from, without revealing any personally identifiable information. It’s the best of both worlds, where consumer data remains private, and where companies get the information they need to better target their marketing campaigns.
Third-Party, Social Media “Buy Buttons”
The future of ecommerce looks surprisingly different from the present. At the moment, the paradigm is that online retailers have to have their own website to which their customers arrive and make purchases. There’s a lot of money being spent right now on these sites to make sure that they have high visibility on general search engines.
But thanks to the fact that people never seem to tire of social media, social media itself will soon become a shopping platform in its own right. Facebook and Pinterest and currently investigating ways to include buy buttons next to products or items. For Pinterest, this is a particularly interesting idea, since it is a site dedicated to hosting and organizing photographs, usually of beautiful, bespoke products. Companies wouldn’t have to invest their marketing efforts trying to improve their rank on Google; they’ll be investing in enhancing their visibility on platforms like Pinterest and making sure that they produce the most alluring photographs possible. New social media marketing is something you can learn more about at Simplilearn here.
Marketing That “Gives Back”
Customers want the brands that they consume to have a feel good element. They want to know that when they buy a product that at least some of their money will be going to a noble cause. There are all sorts of companies that are doing this already. Take Warby Parker, the online glasses seller, for instance. This company proudly promotes the fact that “for every pair purchased, a pair is distributed to someone in need.” Regular, everyday companies need to think of ways of resonating with their customer base and making them feel as if they are improving the world with every purchase.
Native Advertising
Internet users are getting more and more savvy to the marketing tactics of online advertisers, hence the growth in the use of adblockers. Next year companies will have to focus more exclusively on native advertising – advertising that is expertly weaved into the content of an article or a video. Advertisers are going to need to target bloggers and vloggers and get them to incorporate their own products in a way that adds value to consumers. People don’t want yet another banner ad promising to save them money: they want something that actively helps them to understand something or somewhere that gives them unbiased information about a product. Product reviews, as well as videos showcasing how much fun a product can be, will form the lion’s share of marketing going forward.
Yet More Market Segmentation
You might think that we’ve reached peak personalization for online marketing, but according to experts, it’s going to be going up another notch next year. Personalization means targeting advertising based on a person’s habits and preferences online. The basic idea is to give consumers only the advertising content that they want, rather than bombarding them with information that they are not interested in. In a world of information overload, this may be the only approach marketers can use to get their message to stick.
Marketing Will Become Mobile-First
Long gone are the days when the PC was the dominant platform through which people consume online content. The market has spoken, and it turns out that people prefer their mobile devices, despite the fact that they only provide a fraction of the screen real estate. This new reality means that businesses are going to have to optimize first for mobile, and then for desktop after, to make sure that they are prioritizing their experiences in the correct way. Right now, many website builders have a desktop-first approach, which will have to change as we go forward in 2017.
Chatbots Will Talk To Your Customers For You
If you’ve ever gotten interested in artificial intelligence or computer science, you’ll have heard about the Turing test. The Turing Test was a test devised by Alan Turing, the esteemed computer scientist depicted in the film The Imitation Game. It said that artificial intelligence was achieved if an expert couldn’t tell whether he or she was talking to a person or a computer.
It might surprise you to discover that we’re not far off the world that Alan Turing envisioned. Today’s chatbots are being developed by the world’s most advanced AI companies, including Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Amazon. They’re all in a sort of arms race to build an AI that is able to chat with customers on behalf of business, find out their preferences, and feed all those data into a central repository where it can be analyzed and made use of. Chatbots, as they are called, will soon provide users with news updates on the products that they are interested in, as well as personalized responses to their queries, slashing the costs customer service in the process.
Companies Will Deliver Their Own Breaking News
Top tech companies are already making a habit of live streaming their events. You can now watch the biggest product launches, right from the comfort of your own computer as they happen in real time. As we go into 2017, live streaming technology will continue to push boundaries. For example, Instagram has now integrated its live stream option into its new “Stores” feature, meaning companies are able to keep users apprised of the very latest developments at company HQ.
Without Influencers, Companies Will Be Nowhere
We’ve already discussed just how important it will be for companies to find bloggers and vloggers who can act as hosts for their native advertising efforts. Next year, they’ll have to reach out to these influencers more than they ever did in the past. The reason for this is that people tend to trust influencers a lot more than they do the company’s own, direct marketing. Smart companies realize that to be successful, they have to reach out to influencers to gain credibility and sell their product. They need people who are seen as leaders in their own particular social field to promote, review and use their products if they are to be successful.
So there you have it – the big marketing trends to look out for next year. We haven’t even talked about things like VR or interactive content here because they are enormous topics in their own right. Suffice to say that 2017 is going to be very different – again.
Business
The importance of telescopic handlers: innovation and efficiency in load handling
In the field of logistics, efficiency and safety are key aspects for the success of any project. Machines and tools must handle heavy loads and perform complex tasks with precision. In this sense, Magni TH telescopic handlers are the perfect option.
Telescopic handlers are lifting equipment that combine the capabilities of a crane and a forklift, featuring a telescopic arm that can extend and retract to reach considerable heights and access areas that may be difficult to reach manually. Thanks to this versatility, they become essential tools for a wide range of applications, indispensable in multiple sectors.
Today, the telescopic handler industry is constantly evolving, with technological innovations that enhance their functionality. One of the leading companies in this field is Magni TH, renowned for offering high-quality, efficient machinery with a focus on innovation and sustainability. This ensures that their telescopic handlers not only meet current demands but are also prepared for future challenges.
What does Magni TH offer?
Magni TH stands out in the market by offering a wide range of telescopic handlers that adapt to a long list of specific needs. Among their most notable models are fixed telescopic handlers (TH), rotating telescopic handlers (RTH), and heavy-duty telescopic handlers (HTH). They also offer aerial platforms, ranging from fixed models to articulated and rotating versions.
Furthermore, Magni TH machinery is widely recognised for its high-quality standards, due in large part to the selection of top-class raw materials. This attention to detail not only ensures compliance with market safety standards but exceeds them, guaranteeing that every machine is 100% reliable and durable.
Magni TH’s manufacturing process is another aspect that sets them apart. The company combines advanced industrial techniques with a craftsmanship approach, allowing for continuous innovation and enabling them to remain at the forefront of the market. This combined approach not only improves production efficiency but also allows for greater customisation.
In addition to their impressive product line, Magni TH is committed to providing proper advice and training to its customers. The company offers detailed descriptions of its products and services, ensuring that customers fully understand the capabilities and strengths of each machine model.
Magni TH also stands out for its focus on sustainability, reflected in the energy efficiency of each of their machines. This not only maximises user productivity but also ensures environmental responsibility at all times.
Innovation and safety
The use of innovative, high-quality telescopic handlers, like those manufactured by Magni TH, is essential for significantly improving operational efficiency across various sectors. These machines, thanks to their precision and speed in executing complex tasks, help reduce the time needed to complete projects, thereby increasing the overall productivity of companies.
On the other hand, safety is another key aspect when using high-quality telescopic handlers. These machines are equipped with advanced safety systems, such as stabilisers, enclosed cabins to protect operators, and load control systems, ensuring operations are carried out efficiently and reliably. Moreover, their ability to handle loads with precision and care is crucial for ensuring the integrity of products, significantly reducing the risk of damage during transport and handling. This is particularly important in sectors where product integrity is critical to maintaining high-quality standards.
At the same time, the use of innovative telescopic handlers can also enhance a company’s competitiveness. Investing in high-quality equipment allows them to provide services with greater efficiency and safety, helping them stand out in the market. Ultimately, investing in this type of telescopic handler can be considered a strategic decision that can have positive long-term impacts on the sustainability and growth of a company, as adopting advanced technologies demonstrates a commitment to excellence and proactivity, keeping companies at the forefront and allowing them to adapt easily to the many changes in the market.
Versatile Applications of Magni TH
Magni TH telescopic handlers are known for their versatility and ability to adapt to a wide range of applications. Unlike other companies that focus on specific sectors, Magni TH offers its products to any industry that requires load handling solutions. For example, in the agricultural sector, Magni TH telescopic handlers are key tools for tasks such as handling hay bales, transporting fertilisers, and loading livestock. Additionally, their ability to navigate uneven terrain and lift large volumes of material are essential advantages on farms and agricultural operations.
Likewise, the maritime sector benefits greatly from the versatility of Magni TH telescopic handlers. These machines are ideal for storage and cargo handling on vessels and ports, as well as for small routine maintenance operations.
In construction, Magni TH telescopic handlers are one of the most widely used tools, enabling the lifting and positioning of heavy materials such as bricks, cement, and beams. Regardless of the size of the construction project, their ability to operate on difficult terrain and reach high altitudes makes them ideal for any occasion, improving productivity and minimising the risk of accidents.
Finally, telescopic handlers are also widely useful in the industrial and mining sectors. In industry, these machines are employed for material handling in factories and warehouses, while in mining, their robustness, and load capacity make them a perfect option for working in extreme conditions.
Business
ServiceNow Development Consultancy: Business Process Automation as Disruptive Technology
In the age of AI and Machine Learning, automating business processes has become a must for any business that wants to remain competitive in their industry. Business process automation consists of setting up any process to be completed mostly by any existing technology with minimal manual input from human employees. For organizations seeking to optimize their workflows, engaging with a specialized ServiceNow implementation consultancy can be a game-changer, offering tailored solutions to streamline operations.
Examples include implementing an inventory management system so both you and your customers have access to accurate data on what products are available, sending out confirmation emails after purchase, having sales reports automatically generated through a CRM platform, social media posting schedules, and most email marketing tasks.
There are many reasons why business leaders have been turning to tech to improve their companies in recent years. The benefits of business process automation far outweigh the costs. These benefits range from increased efficiency, cost savings, scalability, and improved accuracy, to enhanced customer experience. Automating tasks in areas such as HR helps with employee onboarding and retention, and automation in all areas saves time when it comes to drafting reports and communicating with leads.
Marketing automation is responsible for a 14.5% boost in sales and a 12.2% decrease in marketing expenses (source: Nucleus Research). When employed in HR processes, business automation has shown that automation processes, when applied to onboarding, increase new hire retention by 16% (source: LinkedIn).
As is the case with any disruptive technology, business automation also poses risks, especially for more vulnerable sectors. It is estimated that by 2030, 47% of jobs in the United States are at risk of being displaced by automation (source: Science Direct). In the United States, workers aged 16 to 24 are the most exposed to the risk of automation, as 49% of these workers could have their jobs displaced by automation processes (Brookings).
Various government and company policies can be put in place to provide upskilling and reskilling for these workers to minimize the risk business process automation poses to some members of the workforce. However, it is clear that business process automation is here to stay.
Other concerns brought up by automation include data privacy and protection and copyright issues. Because automation involves storing confidential data in the cloud, businesses are concerned about security breaches by competitors or, worse, malicious users wishing to scam their current clients. Business leaders are paying more attention to cloud infrastructure services to minimize these risks.
Cloud infrastructure security can protect your business’ data through advanced encryption. Regular audits and compliance are automated but still supervised by human employees to ensure security has not been compromised. Data segmentation and isolation can also ensure your company’s data is not easy to access, even if there has been a breach.
On the other hand, some processes involving AI can end up infringing copyright laws in various industries. This can lead to large expenses in legal fees if AI is not used mindfully by departments, without mentioning the PR risks of your company accidentally employing someone else’s copyrighted content.
In conclusion, business process automation is a process including a wide array of existing technologies (AI, ML, etc.). Through business automation, business sectors start to delegate tasks to technological solutions.
As a result of automating tasks, there is proof of increased proficiency and accuracy, enhanced customer experience, and saved costs. However, there is also resistance from some sectors of society, as automation can result in job displacement for some existing members of the workforce.
To mitigate this, business leaders can emphasize the fact that they are automating processes while still making an effort to retain skilled workers. Upskilling and reskilling can help businesses retain employees whose jobs have become obsolete. Many governments are also expected to step up with a series of policies to protect the interests of these workers.
Business
Screen Printing Services: A Beginner’s Guide to Avoiding Mistakes and Maximizing Your Investment
Are you thinking about ordering custom t-shirts and don’t know where to start? Don’t worry! Screen printing is an incredibly popular and versatile technique that allows you to create durable, high-quality designs on a variety of products. In this guide, I’ll teach you the essentials to make your first screen printing experience a success.
What is Screen Printing?
First, let’s talk about the basics. Screen printing is a printing method that uses a mesh to transfer ink onto a surface, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a stencil. This sounds a bit technical, but it’s actually quite simple: think of a large stencil and ink passing through it to form your design. It’s especially useful for printing on textiles, like t-shirts, but it can also be used on paper, wood, plastic, and more.
Benefits of Hire Screen Printing Services
Before getting into the details of how to place your order, let me tell you why screen printing is an excellent option:
- Durability: The ink used in screen printing is thick and adheres well to fabrics, making the designs last longer without fading.
- Versatility: You can print on almost any material. So, besides t-shirts, you can think of caps, tote bags, hoodies, and more.
- Cost-effectiveness: For large orders, screen printing is very cost-effective. The more units you print, the lower the cost per unit.
- Print quality: The colors are vibrant, and the details can be captured very well, especially in simple and bold designs.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Now, let’s move on to the most common mistakes people make and how to avoid them:
1. Not Defining Your Design Clearly
It’s crucial to have a clear design before starting the process. Think about:
- Colors: Less is more. Screen printing works best with a limited number of colors.
- Details: Make sure the details are not too small. Fine elements can get lost in the print.
- Design size: Make sure the size of your design is appropriate for the final product.
Tip: Work with a graphic designer or use design software to ensure your design is ready to print.
2. Choosing the Wrong Type of Fabric
Not all fabrics are the same. Some fabrics are better for screen printing than others. For example, 100% cotton is ideal because the ink adheres well and the colors look more vibrant.
Tip: Ask your screen printing provider about the best fabric options for your design and purpose.
3. Not Requesting a Sample
Always, always, always ask for a sample before mass printing. This allows you to see how your design will look on the fabric and make adjustments if necessary.
Tip: Make sure the sample includes all the colors and details of the final design.
4. Not Planning the Production Time
Screen printing takes time. From preparing the design and stencils to printing and drying, there are several stages involved.
Tip: Plan ahead and consider production times, especially if you need the t-shirts for a specific event.
5. Not Considering the Total Budget
It’s easy to overlook additional costs like setup fees, shipping, and taxes. Make sure to get a complete quote before committing.
Tip: Ask your provider about all the costs involved and ensure there are no surprises.
Maximizing Your Investment
Now that you know what mistakes to avoid, here are some tips to get the most out of your screen printing investment:
1. Bulk Orders
The more you print, the lower the cost per unit. If you know you’ll need more t-shirts in the future, consider placing a larger order upfront.
2. Classic and Timeless Designs
Opt for designs that won’t go out of style quickly. This ensures you can use the t-shirts for a long time without them looking outdated.
3. Deals and Discounts
Many screen printing providers offer discounts for large orders or frequent customers. Don’t hesitate to ask about available promotions.
4. Take Care of Your Products
Once you have your t-shirts, make sure to take proper care of them. Wash printed t-shirts inside out and avoid using bleach to prolong the life of the design.
Choosing the Right Provider
Finally, choosing the right provider is crucial to the success of your project. Here are some aspects to consider:
- Experience and Reputation: Research and choose a provider with a good reputation and proven experience.
- Portfolio of Previous Work: Ask to see examples of previous work to ensure they can handle your design.
- Communication: A good provider should be willing to answer your questions and keep you informed throughout the process.
- Reviews and References: Read reviews and ask for references to ensure other customers have had good experiences.
In Summary
Screen printing is a fantastic technique for customizing t-shirts and other products, but like any process, there are tips and tricks to help you avoid issues and maximize your investment. From design preparation to choosing the right provider, every step is important. I hope this guide has given you a clear and practical view of how to start your screen printing journey without a hitch.
If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to contact us! We are here to help you bring your screen printing ideas to life. Good luck with your project!
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