The Future of Community

Photo via @vsco

What Does the Future Of Community Marketing Look Like?

The future of community marketing is fascinating. Several trends are emerging that suggest that community marketing will become even more critical in the years to come. Here are some of the most important trends and tools used by brands:

Virtual Events Are Here To Stay

As the world increasingly moves online, so too do our events. Virtual events are becoming more and more popular as they offer a convenient and cost-effective way to connect with people worldwide.

There are many advantages to virtual events, so we believe they are here to stay. Here are just a few of the reasons why virtual events are the future of community marketing:

They Reach a Wider Audience

With a physical event, you're limited by geography. Only those who can physically make it to the event location will be able to attend. Virtual events are not limited to this, and anyone with an internet connection can attend. A much wider audience can therefore be reached without the need to cover travel costs.

They're More Inclusive

Virtual events are also more inclusive than physical events. People with disabilities or other chronic illnesses that make travel difficult can still participate in virtual events. Additionally, parents who have young children at home can also attend virtual events without finding childcare.

They Save Time and Money

Another advantage of virtual events is that they save time and money. You need to factor in travel time and expenses such as accommodation and food with a physical event. With a virtual event, all you need is a computer and an internet connection – meaning you can save both time and money.

They Offer More Flexibility

Virtual events also offer more flexibility than physical events. They can be easily adapted to different time zones and schedules. So, if you have attendees from all over the world, you can still hold a virtual event that works for everyone.

They're Eco-Friendly

Finally, virtual events are also more eco-friendly than physical events. There is no need to travel to the event location, which can often be quite far away, which means that you can reduce your carbon footprint and do your bit for the environment.

Marketing Will Become More Social

Marketing is becoming more social. Community marketing will be a vital component of this shift as businesses increasingly recognize the value of connecting with consumers on a deeper level.

There are several reasons for this trend. First, social media has given consumers a powerful platform to share their opinions and experiences with brands. As a result, customers are now more empowered than ever before, and they expect companies to listen to their needs and wants.

Second, the rise of mobile devices has made it easier for people to connect and share information in real-time. Instant connectivity gives consumers even more power to shape the conversations around brands and products.

As we become more connected globally, community marketing will become an increasingly important tool for businesses to reach and engage with their customers. By building relationships with consumers, brands will be able to create a deeper level of engagement and loyalty.

What Does This Mean for Marketers?

As community marketing becomes more prevalent, marketers will need to focus on creating authentic connections with consumers. Engaging in two-way conversations, listening to customer feedback, and providing value beyond selling products or services are great ways to build these connections.

In addition, marketers will need to pay close attention to the latest social media trends and platforms. As new platforms emerge, they will provide new opportunities for brands to connect with consumers.

The Content Marketing Landscape Will Evolve

The content marketing landscape is constantly evolving. To keep up with the ever-changing trends, it's crucial to stay ahead of the curve and anticipate what's to come. Here's a look at how the content marketing landscape will evolve in the future of community marketing:

There Will Be an Increasing Demand for High-quality Content

To stand out in a sea of content, marketers must create exceptional pieces that offer value to their audience, including anything from in-depth blog posts and instructional videos to infographics and eBooks.

More Brands Will Adopt a Content Marketing Strategy

As awareness of the benefits of content marketing grows, more and more brands will jump on board. As a result of this, competition for attention will only become more fierce.

Social Media Will Play an Even More Prominent Role

Social media platforms will continue to be a powerful content distribution and engagement tool. To make the most of this channel, marketers must create share-worthy content that resonates with their target audience.

Visual Content Will Continue to Surge in Popularity

With the increasing popularity of platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, it's no surprise that visual content is on the rise. To stay ahead of the curve, marketers must create more engaging visual content that tells a story.

Content Curation Will Become More Important

With so much content being published daily, it's becoming increasingly difficult for brands to cut through the noise. As a result, content curation will become an essential part of any content marketing strategy.

Personalization Will Be Key

To truly connect with their audience, marketers must personalize their content. Tailoring content to specific demographics or interests to using data to deliver targeted messages are great ways to personalize content.

Interactive Content Will Take Center Stage

As consumers demand more engaging experiences, interactive content will become more popular, including anything from quizzes and polls to augmented reality and virtual reality experiences.

Artificial Intelligence Will Change the Game

As artificial intelligence technology evolves, it will play a role in content marketing, including anything from automatic content generation to personalization at scale.

The Lines Between Paid, Owned and Earned Media Will Blur

As the landscape evolves, the lines between paid, owned, and earned media will become increasingly blurred. Marketers have to find new ways to reach their audience across multiple channels.

Strong Brand Communities Will Produce Trustworthy Advocates

When we think about the future of community marketing, one of the critical things that will become increasingly important is developing strong brand communities. They provide a sense of belonging and connection for members and can be incredibly powerful tools for marketing and promoting a brand.

There are several reasons why strong brand communities will produce trustworthy advocates in the future of community marketing. Members of brand communities tend to be highly loyal to the brands they love. They're also likely to be very passionate about the products or services, and this passion can be contagious. When people see others enthusiastic about a brand, it makes them more likely to want to try it out for themselves.

How are Brands Building Communities in Person?

To build a community around their brand, businesses need to focus on creating in-person connections. Events, meetups, and other gatherings are all potential opportunities for customers to interact with the business and with each other.

Creating these in-person connections is essential because it helps to build trust and credibility with potential customers. When people can see that there is a real human behind the business, they are more likely to want to engage with it. Furthermore, these interactions allow customers to give feedback and for businesses to get to know their target audience better.

Events and meetups also create a sense of belonging and camaraderie among customers. When people feel like they are part of a community, they are more likely to be loyal to the brand. This loyalty can translate into word-of-mouth marketing, which is one of the most powerful marketing forms.

Increased Priority in Customer Engagement

While traditional marketing channels are still important, community marketing allows businesses to connect with their customers more personally. Businesses can build relationships with their customers through community marketing and create loyalty and goodwill.

Community marketing can take many different forms, but the most popular methods include social media marketing, online forums, and customer referral programs. By engaging with customers through these channels, businesses can build trust and credibility, leading to increased sales and brand awareness.

As the importance of community marketing continues to grow, businesses need to make sure they are prepared to meet the needs of their customers. By investing in community marketing, businesses can ensure that they can connect with their customers on a deeper level and create loyalty and goodwill. Community marketing is an important part of the future of marketing, and businesses that don't invest in it may find themselves at a disadvantage.

Community marketing is evolving and will continue to do so as technology advances. Brands that want to stay ahead of the curve need to create meaningful connections with their customers and provide valuable content. By establishing a solid community, brands can create advocates who will trust and recommend their products or services. As customer engagement becomes more important, community marketing will become more crucial for businesses looking to succeed online. What strategies are you using in your community marketing efforts?

Learn how 7 brands have built strong communities.

Get news and updates

Sign up for news and updates here as we share more about this journey.