4 Post-Pandemic Marketing Lessons to Embrace Today

The pandemic changed the way hundreds of millions of people access goods and services. Online shopping, delivery services and remote work strategies have suddenly become a mandated feature of the modern world. Many marketing, sales and other work processes have required adaptation to accommodate this new reality, and it was inspiring to watch the speed and scope with which such changes took place. And even when the pandemic is fully behind us, a number will be worth keeping.

1. More digital marketing

Digital marketing was already big before 2020, but now it’s absolutely essential for virtually all businesses — to connect with target audiences and gain leads as well as nurture relationships with existing customers.

And if you’re a digital marketer, your potential client base has likely grown exponentially; just about every company is now in need of such services. To further expand that base, look for potential clients everywhere, from out of state to downtown to right in your neighborhood.

2. Innovate or be left behind 

Technology accelerates quickly; initiatives and philosophies from even five years ago no longer work. Think of the big businesses you knew growing up. Are they still around? Many of them had to file for bankruptcy because they failed to move with the digital transformation.

Disruption became evolution, and when businesses are slow to respond to changes by pivoting or implementing new techniques, it could lead to disaster. Now, almost all are upscaling their technology and digital marketing strategies to stay on top of the game. Don’t be left behind by your competitors — adopt early and innovate quickly.

Put simply, late adoption is no longer an option. Join the pioneers! Launch that new product line… try out that new strategy or tool. Do it now. You can’t afford to wait it out. Fail fast, and see what works.

3. Adopt a direct-to-consumer mindset

Considerations of how to improve your business should always be consumer-centric. This is why big brands have funny or witty ads. They have active social media pages — are interacting directly with consumers without relying on retailers as a go-between. More and more have their own stores online — are no longer depending on retailers to carry their brand (as well as their competitors’).

Digital marketing is booming in part because of the need for brand experience. People remember how a company touched them or made them laugh, or how fast their question was dealt with by customer service. Delivery, packaging and product descriptions: all of these elements of consumer experience affect your brand in the eyes of customers. And while it’s good to have distributors and retailers, you need your own site and your own branding.