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Originally Posted On: https://www.pwmedia.com/8-small-business-marketing-trends-to-watch-for-in-2022-part-1

The shift from brick-and-mortar businesses to e-commerce has changed the marketing landscape in a big way. Even small, local businesses need to market their products or services online and utilize new marketing methods to stay competitive in the modern marketplace.

 

It may seem like a daunting task, but learning how to market your business online is an essential skill for any entrepreneur.

 

In our first part of this 2-part series, we will take a closer look at four trends that you should be aware of as businesses adapt and change to local and global market realities:

1. The Rise in Chatbots and AI Marketing

Artificial intelligence is going to be a big part of marketing for small businesses in 2022. If you aren’t dipping your toes in the AI world for your marketing, you are risking more than you may know.

 

Businesses that invest in chatbots, a website tool designed to interact with people through natural language processing technology, will likely see rewards like increased sales and targeted advertising.

 

2. Death of Third Party Cookies and the Rise of FLoC

With the increases in privacy awareness, third-party cookies are going to be a thing of the past.

 

Google has recently released the Google Privacy Sandbox as a method to test the Federated Learning of Cohorts (FLoC) among online businesses. We recommend business owners do more research to get familiar with the changes coming in 2023. Google’s major switch in data tracking can impact your business leads and targeted advertising. You don’t want to miss out on potential leads and engagement. Staying ahead of the curve in the digital landscape can mean all the difference.

 

3. Local Marketing Through Best SEO Practices

By 2022, local businesses will be optimizing their websites for Local SEO. This is the practice of using search engine optimization techniques to get ranked on the first page of locally relevant searches. Businesses that want to attract customers in a local area must ensure they have a professional website with fresh content and a good link structure.

 

4. Content Marketing for the Win

Content marketing is nothing new, but in 2022, the variety of your content marketing will be essential. Here are just a few of the areas you will need to make sure you are creating and promoting content regularly:

 

• Blogs
• Video
• Social Media
• Email Marketing and Newsletters

 

One of the significant changes in content marketing is moving from “hard sell” content to authority content. Authority content focuses on credibility and engagement. In 2022, content creators will be challenged to show their expertise in their specific fields.

 

Authoritative content attracts high-quality links to your website. To do this, you must consistently write and publish content showing the audience valuable and insightful information about your respective industry.

Customers drive your business. Not listening to their shifting priorities and needs can diminish your ability to adapt and stay relevant in a constantly evolving marketing landscape.

Investing in the Future

As a business owner and entrepreneur, it can feel overwhelming to try and stay ahead of the latest trends — especially as the world begins to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Fortunately, there are many opportunities ahead for those who are willing to adapt their marketing strategies and techniques in the next few years. With the right information and plan, you can help avoid some struggles that other businesses may face.

 

Ahead of the Game

If you want to ensure that you’re on top of the newest marketing shifts of 2022 and beyond, PW Media is here to help create a trend-infused marketing strategy to help you achieve your business potential. Contact us today!

 

Want to See More? Check Out Part 2 of This Series!

Click here to read Part 2 of our 8 Small Business Marketing Trends to Watch for in 2022. In it, we will look at four more market trends to end 2021 with a flourish and help make your business its best and brightest in 2022.