DIGITAL FOR 2017

12 Feb 2017

It has happened, 2017 is here whether you believe it or not and digital is arguably more important than ever. Your online presence is now your first impression so let’s make sure it’s a good one. Here at KAT, we’ve been racking our brains for what we think will be at the forefront of digital thinking this year and here’s what we came up with:

Mobile or nothing

How we interact digitally with businesses has already shifted to mobile with it toppling desktop usage for the first time back in 2016. Mobile-friendly websites must no longer be considered an afterthought, as targeting people on the move is now the best way to sell and retain customers. Amazon-style one click to buy functionality may have to be implemented across the majority e-commerce sites to remain competitive.

Video rules

Save your pictures for Instagram, every other social channel is going video crazy. Websites with video content will become the norm rather than the few, as you can see from our new website (got your attention didn’t it?). Not only is quick-fire video highly-engaging, it can help to boost search engine ranking if tagged correctly. Video not only catches your eye, but needs little interaction from the end-user and can tell a story quickly and efficiently.

Staying social

The clue is in the title, it is social media not sell media. You’ll find businesses that have a personal side edging ahead across social platforms as influencers look to build a bond with their audience as a primary focus. The rigid marketing approach to social media is outdated and followers want to be entertained and informed. There’s still room to sell products but it must be fun, engaging and well targeted. Originality is king…

Spending smartly

Digital advertising spend is overtaking traditional media fast. Long gone are the days of the scatter-gun approach, digital means analysing trends, user behaviour and then targeting your audience with the right content at the right time. You’ll need to be quicker to target fast-moving and time poor customers through their connected devices but on their terms to maximise your reach without the huge outlay.

The ‘UX’ factor

2016 was the year for the user journey and experience, as well as data driven design, which will no doubt grow this year. Design will need to make room for functionality as the key driving force as the need to improve bounce rates and retain browsers for longer becomes pivotal. Let the data collected from your customers’ experience on your website help you pave the way for their journey in future interactions.

Shaping your digital presence in 2017 is what we do best, so give us a call and we’ll make sure your business performs online.