Digital Transformation Academy - Growth Opportunities...Digitally !!! #content_marketing

Avoid content chaos and zoom towards success!

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 07:40:00 +0000

Content is king now. This is the best time to be in content marketing, especially in India. The tide is in our favour. But with this exciting opportunity there are big challenges to overcome too. We need to always be aware of these challenges when we’re creating content, planning campaigns or user-engagement exercises. Once we’re super aware of these challenges and focus all our actions towards doing the right things, that’s when the magic happens. Let us create magic by knowing what we should do.

Content, content everywhere

Did you know that Facebook can potentially show you 2,000 posts every day? If it starts showing so many posts daily, what will you do? You’ll stop using Facebook; there’s too much to handle in life already. That’s bad for business for the social media platform and so they curate (with the help of a newsfeed algorithm) and show you only what’s relevant to you. Take the case of WhatsApp, where there is no filtering. How many WhatsApp groups do you have on mute for an entire year? I have muted every single group, from family groups to old school friends to alumni groups. If they gave us the option for muting the groups for a lifetime, I’d be the first to mute them all. This content chaos is what we sift through daily. In some cases, platforms filter for us and show us what’s relevant (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, for example), in others we do it ourselves (the WhatsApp mute, for instance). Today, on social media newsfeeds, there is an overwhelming amount of content chaos.

‘Today, on social media newsfeeds, there is an overwhelming amount of content chaos.’

Even in metros, everyone is busy consuming content. The sea of commuters is hooked to their shiny glass slabs – some playing games, others almost always watching videos. It made me realize that all the effort put into creating content or videos, be it a $2 million project with a celebrity production crew or a low-budget video shot on a phone, is gone with one swipe up of the thumb. Every brand or content creator is competing to stop that thumb from swiping. The sheer volume of content available adds to the chaos in which the user lives. Further, user behaviour in Tier I cities seems different from that of Tier II cities. For example, Hindi and regional-language content tops the charts in Tier II and Tier III towns, compared to big cities.

‘All the effort put into creating videos, be it a $2 million project with a celebrity production crew or a low-budget video shot on a phone, is gone with one swipe up of the thumb.’

Our focus must be to keep in mind that our content will live in chaos, and must be designed to stand out, hold the users’ hand and take them on a journey.

Too much competition

Another big challenge facing content creators and marketers is that there’s too much competition in the newsfeed as well. Everyone and their cousin can create content today. Heck, everyone has got a smartphone in their pocket and can shoot HD videos. When the number of content creators increases on a platform, the organic reach keeps decreasing. Since everyone is competing for user attention, platforms start monetizing the reach, their core business pillar – ‘distribution’. Platforms incentivize content creators by giving them a lot of visibility in the beginning, which brings them their audience (the user base). Once there are enough content creators, and user behaviour becomes all about spending more time consuming the content, platforms start monetizing the reach. Facebook did it earlier, and now LinkedIn is doing it – giving a lot of visibility if you post videos right now, and, once it becomes mainstream, it’s moolah for them, and a chance to milk the ‘content distribution’ cow.

We can either spend millions to reach your user base (most big-budget brands do that, with lousy ads shoved in our faces all the time, on every platform, until their budgets run out) or make your content so incredibly powerful that it spreads like wildfire, is shared like crazy and becomes ‘viral’ regardless of a low budget. This is the reason why so many start-ups are killing big brands on social media. As a start-up, when you have little to no budget and are without resources, you’re forced to improvise. Creativity shines in times of scarcity. Today, start-ups have the balls to compete with brands with deep pockets because they don’t just get customers but evangelists – people who share their content and talk about them. Big brands aren’t scared of other big brands today, but rather of teams of eight in a basement somewhere, who can knock their socks off. For the fact is the digital world is extremely democratic and open to all. Anyone can be a success. for today, even a simple start up has the same access to the market as a leading global brand.

It would help if all of us logon to the online world and then move forward to become global success stories. This is surely possible with the internet being accessible to all of us. This would of course be beneficial for our personal growth as well as our careers. For, we are as good as dead if we cease to think and by extension, learn. The new world encourages and makes it possible for us to be eternal learners and move forward. We all, whether students or professionals can begin any time to remain relevant and add more value to our own selves and that of our organisation, if we belong to it. It is time we understood the world is now completely digital and create relevant content to attract all. This is what we all need to learn else we may be left behind. This is why we at IDM ensure all aspects of the digital world is completely understood and applied in live projects. We do this both with students and MSMEs and are partners in their digital journey. For, their success is our success. This is also why we are one of the few companies who give 100% job guarantee in writing.

Zoom towards success combining psychology and digital marketing !

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 08:58:00 +0000

To be successful, digital marketers need to be excellent psychologists. Knowing what makes people tick and placing those psychological triggers in the right way can be extremely reach better marketing results.

Image Source : thenextscoop.com

The following are some tips we could apply to your strategy as soon as possible to boost your digital marketing game.

1. Emotional Marketing

Emotional marketing approaches consumer on a personal level and focuses on the tone, lighting, and mood to increase loyalty and boost conversions.

We do know that consumers base their purchase decisions around feelings and emotions rather than the rational information of products’ features and attributes. Customers are likely be loyal to brands that evoke positive emotional response. We could use this knowledge in your content marketing strategy and create content that:

– Inspires, creates excitement and interest.

– Reminds of special moments.

– Sparks conversations, reactions, and engagements.

2. Social Proof

Social proof is an important tactic for influencing and convincing customers. This is social influence is based on the fact that people love to follow others. We tend to adopt the beliefs or mimic the actions of people we trust and admire. We could implement this in our marketing strategy by using:

– User-generated content, testimonials and reviews.

– Influencer marketing.

– Social plugins and sharing buttons.

We could use Instagram, Twitter and YouTube to make a mark in this area.

3. Grounded Cognition

Grounded Cognition is based in the principle that people can experience a story that they read, watch or hear as if it was happening to them. People tend to forget dry facts and figures. If we want our customers to remember our message, we could make a story to get across them.

We can boost your marketing by:

– Speaking to our audience in a friendly way.

– Telling the stories they can empathize with.

– Sharing a personal story or experience

4. Paradox Of Choice

We need to give people the freedom of choice as this can positively influence our marketing efforts. On the other hand,- too many choices make people nervous and can negatively impact conversion rates. Psychology has shown that providing people with limited range of choices reduces customers’ anxiety and leads to better marketing results. We could use this knowledge and:

– Emphasize a few key points at a time.

– Create clear CTAs.

– We need to give our customers just two clear paths to follow.

The Paradox of Choice theory can be applied also if we wish to offer our customers a wider range of choices.

For example, Amazon offers millions of products. Still, they still manage to avoid choice overload. It’s done by highlight few different categories of products, with up to 7 product options each.

5. Information-Gap Theory

This theory says if we have to create a feeling of curiosity within our audience and give them information that meets their need for knowledge. An effective way we could incorporate it in our content marketing is by creating powerful headlines.

6. The Commitment and Consistency Theory

This theory states that if you make a small commitment to something, we are more likely to say yes to a bigger commitment in the future. We could start with small commitments like:

– Ask for customers’ contact details.

– Invite them to subscribe to a newsletter.

– Ask them to share our content on social media.

– Offer a sign up for an e-book or webinar.

This is already a small commitment the user makes towards the brand.

7. Loss Aversion Theory

This refers to the tendency of people to avoid losses rather than acquire gains. We could analyze our audience, learn their fears and create content that emphasizes benefits of your brand that eases those fears using tools like facebook, twitter. Youtube and Linked in.

Using these theories, we could improve the success of your marketing messages without any additional technologies or big budgets.

Even digital tools like AI can help us here. Enhancing user experience (UX) will be the glue that holds each of our strategies together. The fact is, there are many factors that directly influence the trust that your online store transmits and most of them depend entirely on you. One of those factors is security. And it is that someone who is willing to spend their money in your store providing you with sensitive information, will surely back down on their purchase if they do not appreciate that it is an online store with minimum security guidelines.

All changes when handled well can indeed become an opportunity. The digital world is here now. We do need to embrace it on computers, mobiles to become digital success stories using data too to understand our customer. With this, we can become victors in the game of digital transformation.

The mobile is yet another market all marketers should master. We need to know how it translates into action in terms of presence and breadth of mobile strategy, mobile ad spend growth and ROI tracked through mobile channels by companies and brands.

As of now, just 25% of brands claim to have a mobile strategy and some out of this sparse statistic incorrectly believe that simply having an app or a mobile-friendly website suffices for a strategy. 45% of companies choose to exhibit their content on desktop sites only and not on the mobile.

Things are changing now. For instance almost everyone has a mobile now and even does shopping from there.

With Corona, the situation has changed even more. With Covid 19 truly capturing everyone’s attention across the globe, one can also see many people trying their best to control in the best possible manner. The aim of course is to end the suffering. Business is also doing its best to make it easier for people to work, whether remotely or with all measures in place for keeping welfare of the employees as the most important factor. The challenge of course is both economic and biological. The challenge therefore does need to keep both factors in mind.

We do need to know that these theories can help you better understand our customers, so that we can reach out to them more effectively.

Video marketing tools to zoom into digital success in 2024 and beyond!

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 10:06:00 +0000

Video marketing tools are now an important part of marketing because of the power of videos for content marketing.

In today's digital age, the power of images in conveying messages cannot be overstated. Images have the ability to captivate, engage, and evoke emotions in ways that text alone cannot. Whether it's a stunning photograph, an eye-catching graphic, or a compelling infographic, images have the ability to convey complex messages in a simple and easily digestible format.

One of the key advantages of using images to convey messages is their universal appeal. Images transcend language barriers and can be understood by people from different cultures and backgrounds. This makes them a powerful tool for reaching a global audience and conveying messages that resonate with people around the world.

In addition, images have been shown to be more memorable than text. Studies have shown that people are more likely to remember information that is presented visually compared to information that is presented in text form. This makes images an effective way to ensure that your message is remembered long after it has been seen.

Moreover, images have the ability to evoke emotions in a way that text alone cannot. By carefully selecting images that resonate with your target audience, you can create a strong emotional connection with them and make your message more impactful.

Images are a powerful tool for conveying messages in today's digital world. Whether you're looking to promote a product, raise awareness about an issue, or simply share a message with the world, images can help you achieve your goals in a compelling and effective way.

Videos can help you reach a larger audience, drive more traffic and increase engagement levels are brilliant at convert people into customers.

Social video draws 1,200% more people than image and text content
Even in facebook, videos have 135% greater organic reach than photo posts
It is said, consumer video traffic will account for 82% of all Internet traffic
Fifty five percent people watch video online every day
Many mobile video viewers, in fact more than ninety percent of them share videos with others.

There are many video making tools we could explore. With this, we shall indeed more forward soon in the new digital world for without this we would be left behind.

Tools galore

In today's digital world, there is no shortage of tools designed to help businesses create engaging content for their marketing campaigns. One such tool that has gained popularity is Creatorkit, a versatile marketing tool that allows users to create animated videos, stories, and ads that yield results.

One of the standout features of Creatorkit is its range of ad templates tailored for various social media platforms. Whether you're looking to create eye-catching ads for Instagram, Facebook, or other platforms, Creatorkit offers a wide selection of templates to choose from. These templates are designed to help you quickly and easily create professional-looking ads that are sure to grab the attention of your target audience.

Creatorkit also offers a range of other features to enhance your marketing efforts. These include customizable templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and a library of stock images and videos to choose from. This makes it easy for even those with limited design experience to create high-quality marketing materials.

Creatorkit offers analytics tools to help you track the performance of your ads. This allows you to see which ads are performing well and which ones may need to be tweaked to improve their effectiveness.

Creatorkit is a powerful tool for businesses looking to create engaging marketing content. Its range of features, customizable templates, and analytics tools make it a valuable asset for any marketing campaign.

There are many more of course. The first step however is working towards changing our mindset to move digitally so that we could become more efficient. As it is often said, the first step is always the most significant and hence most important.

With 1.18 billion mobile phone subscriptions, 429.2 million internet subscriptions, 250 million social media users, India’s digital integration is one of the highest in the world. The digitisation drive has fuelled the integration of businesses, industries and communities to create a digital ecosystem. It does look promising for the growth of this new sector and suitable gifts in the near future.

All over the globe, the digital world is here whether we realise it or not. We definitely need to step in and also choose gifts that are appropriate for the new digital age.

New types of businesses

In recent years, we have witnessed a surge in new companies entering the digital world, thanks in part to initiatives like the 'Startup India' movement by the Indian government. This trend highlights the growing opportunities and potential in the digital market. Many of these startups have achieved remarkable success in the Information Technology sector right from their inception.

One of the key factors driving this trend is the scope for businesses in the digital market. With the increasing reliance on digital technologies and online platforms, there is a growing demand for innovative solutions and services. This has created a conducive environment for new entrepreneurs to enter the market and establish their presence.

Another factor contributing to the success of these startups is the ease of starting a business in the digital domain. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar businesses, digital startups can be launched from anywhere, be it from home or a shared workspace. This has lowered the barriers to entry and allowed talented individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

Many of these new entrepreneurs are not only talented but also well-versed with the markets and the evolving digital space. They possess a deep understanding of their target audience and are adept at leveraging digital tools and platforms to reach them effectively. This, coupled with their efficiency in managing and operating their businesses, has been instrumental in their success.

The digital world offers a plethora of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, and we can expect to see many more innovative startups emerge in the future. With the right combination of talent, market knowledge, and digital acumen, these startups have the potential to achieve great success and make a significant impact in the digital landscape.

The new wave

The availability of high-speed internet has revolutionized the way people access and interact with the digital world. This widespread access has led to a significant increase in digital literacy, with a large number of people becoming more aware and proficient in using the internet. This shift has created a new market and a new era, where understanding the digital landscape is crucial for success.

With high-speed internet available everywhere, people now have access to a vast amount of information and resources at their fingertips. This has empowered individuals to learn new skills, connect with others, and access services that were previously inaccessible. As a result, digital literacy has become a valuable asset in today's society, opening up new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

For businesses, understanding this shift in the digital landscape is essential for success. With more people using the internet for various purposes, including shopping, socializing, and accessing information, businesses need to adapt their strategies to meet the needs and expectations of digital-savvy consumers. This may involve developing an online presence, engaging with customers through digital channels, and leveraging data and analytics to make informed decisions.

The rise in digital literacy has also created new opportunities for businesses to reach a wider audience. With more people using the internet, businesses can now connect with customers around the world, expanding their reach and potential customer base. This has led to the emergence of new business models and innovative ways of engaging with customers, leading to increased competition and the need for businesses to differentiate themselves in the digital space.

The rise in digital literacy has had a profound impact on society and business. Understanding this shift and adapting to it is essential for success in today's digital world. Businesses that embrace digital technologies and strategies are well-positioned to thrive in this new era, while those that fail to do so risk being left behind.

Conclusion