---
title: Top 5 Digital Marketing Trends for 2021
description: This year solidified the need for an online presence for business. These are the top trends we saw for 2021 that will likely continue into the new year.
image: https://www.connectionmodel.com/hubfs/stephen-dawson-qwtCeJ5cLYs-unsplash.jpg
---
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# Top 5 Digital Marketing Trends for 2021
It’s no exaggeration to say that the COVID-19 pandemic brought us all firmly into the digital era. The quarantines and social distancing orders over the past year served as catalysts for change in terms of consumer behavior.
People are now spending more time online than ever before. In turn, this has served as a driving force for businesses to focus more on e-commerce and digital services. Because of this, online marketing becomes crucial. If nearly all consumers are online, how else will businesses reach out to them?
Here are five online marketing strategies that will likely remain strong in the coming year.
## Visual Search Engine Optimization
Around 74% of consumers find traditional keyword-based searches lacking compared to image-based searches when shopping online, according to [Business 2 Community](https://www.business2community.com/infographics/the-rising-popularity-of-visual-search-in-2021-infographic-02378495).
Optimizing images and videos for searchers is necessary, especially for e-commerce companies. This includes basic changes such as including alt text in image and video descriptions, using SEO keywords in image file names, and using high-quality images.
Adapting SEO strategies and target keywords to optimize visual search can be challenging. It is important to first understand how visual searches work. Businesses may find more success in visual SEO with the help of a trusted digital marketing agency partner.
## 
## Unique Virtual Experiences and Events
Limited face-to-face interaction contributed to the boost in online activity. Online events have become the new normal as people eschew in-person events for safety.
As online events and virtual experiences become more commonplace, digital marketing has shifted to offer unique experiences and events. The increased online usage is expected to continue, too, as people continue working from home. As such, finding new and creative ways to improve consumers’ online experiences becomes a key consideration for any digital marketing effort.
## Customer Segmentation
Grouping target audiences based on traits, behaviors, and demographics can help businesses provide more targeted content. These offer better odds of converting leads.
One way of applying this trend is by creating separate email lists. Gathering and organizing consumer data for this can be time consuming, however. Partnering with a digital marketing agency can help make the process smoother.
## Chatbots and Conversational Marketing
With AI-powered chatbots, businesses gain the benefit of offering constant customer service and instant response times. These help prolong consumers’ time spent on websites and encourage lead conversion, according to [Tech Bullion](https://techbullion.com/9-powerful-ways-artificial-intelligence-is-transforming-digital-marketing/).
Chatbots alone aren’t enough, though. Conversational marketing is necessary to form better rapport with consumers. For example, we use [Drift](https://www.drift.com/learn/chatbot/) to provide clients with well-built and learning chatbots.
## Improved Personalization
Offering personalized experiences is one of the best ways businesses can attract consumers’ attention. Using first names in email newsletters and providing targeted content are simple ways to personalize digital marketing efforts. Providing more personalized experiences goes together with improving customer segmentation.
## Time Is of the Essence
Applying these digital marketing trends as soon as possible is key to growth. The digital marketing landscape is an ever-changing one, and changing your strategies with it can only benefit your business.
Get in touch with Connection Model and let us help you optimize your digital marketing efforts. We offer results-driven digital marketing services — from brand management and organic SEO to paid search and AI chatbots. Give us a call at 206-400-7724 today.
Written By: David Carpenter
Published on November 30, 2021
Last modified on November 30, 2021
Topics: [Digital Marketing](https://www.connectionmodel.com/blog/topic/digital-marketing), [Online Marketing](https://www.connectionmodel.com/blog/topic/online-marketing), [Conversational Marketing](https://www.connectionmodel.com/blog/topic/conversational-marketing), [Trends](https://www.connectionmodel.com/blog/topic/trends)
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