January 2019 News You Can Use

What will the coming year hold for digital marketing?

While nobody this side of Heaven knows for sure, one thing is certain: the past provides strong hints about the future.

Let’s get going on the first issue of Stukent’s News You Can Use for 2019!

SEO TRENDS FOR 2019

Topic: SEO

Key Point: Wouldn’t it be great to get a sneak preview of what’s coming down the SEO pike in 2019? Search Engine Journal publishes an annual report aimed at helping you get prepared to stay competitive.

For 2019, SEJ says you’re going to have to “go beyond” the Google search engine, get a grip on structured data markup, and recognize the importance of voice search. But that’s not all, this prognosticating article lists 10 points every SEO would do well to heed.

Here’s where to check it out: SEO in 2019.

10 Important 2019 SEO Trends You Need to Know

ALSO SEE: The Definitive Guide To SEO In 2019 

GOOGLE DATA STUDIO GETS A FACELIFT

Topic: Analytics

Key Point: Google Data Studio may be one of the most powerful, yet underused, digital marketing tools you’ll find. The platform turns analytics data into customizable visual representations that are easy to grasp and analyze.

Now, Data Studio can do even more.

Google updated the tool to display embedded external content. That means you can embed a YouTube video, a Google Drive document, or other content right into your reports.

Looking for a way to impress clients and stand out from the pack? Provide regular, informative reports. Find out more here: Google Data Studio Embeds.

ALSO SEE: What is Google Data Studio and how can you use it?

5 SOCIAL MEDIA TRENDS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT IN 2019

Topic: Social Media Marketing

Key Point: This Buffer Blog article starts with a bang and delivers solid, data-backed info all the way through. From in-the-moment content, to social media advertising, and on to a look at the evolution of omnichannel marketing, here’s a valuable read that will help you get and stay on your toes this year … if you learn and take action.

Image result for buffer logo

Here’s the link: 5 Social Media Trends.

  • Have you heard the WhatsApp Business API is a game-changer?
  • Did you know marketing budgets rose by over a third in 2018?

Get the scoop on those stats and more. Stay informed.

ALSO SEE: Messenger Marketing is on the Rise

4 EMAIL MARKETING GOALS TO SET THIS YEAR

Topic: Email Marketing

Key Point: Constant Contact hit a homer with this article. January is the time for goal-setting, yet many digital marketers fail at this crucial task.

The suggestions are simple and achievable:

Whether you’re an email service provider blackbelt or you’re just getting started with setting up email campaigns, you can handle these four email performance tasks: grow your list, get better open rates, build engagement, and boost the bottom line.

Find out how right here: 4 Email Marketing Goals for 20194 Email Marketing Goals to Set in the New Year (And How to Make Sure You Actually Achieve Them)

THE FUTURE OF CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Topic: Ecommerce

Key Point: GetElastic says anyone who wants to know what will happen in 2019 should take a look at the digital marketing developments 2018 spawned.

This isn’t a long article, but it’s thought-provoking and fact-based.

Right at the top of the heap is the rise of “frictionless interactions.” Don’t wait in line. Order in advance via mobile, walk in, and pick up your grub. Domino’s Pizza, for instance, says their strategic aim is to become “fully digital.”

Combine that with the rise in voice technology, and you may get a whiff of a developing trend.

Read it, think about it, start a discussion. Here’s the article: The Future of Commerce.

HOW TO CREATE A MARKETING CASE STUDY

Topic: Content Marketing | Ecommerce

Key Point: Case studies get attention. Many marketers shy away from them, though, since it’s easy to think the amount of effort required to compile a case study is too intense at best and overwhelming at worst.

Alexa says that’s not so.

This Alexa Blog post lays down a simple structure you can follow to create a powerful marketing case study without breaking the time bank.

Don’t forget to download the case study template. The link is at the bottom of the article. Here’s where to go: Case Study Template.

ALSO READ: 8 Tips for Creating a Great Case Study

FACEBOOK ADDS NEW REPORTING CAPABILITY

Topic: Online Advertising | Ecommerce

Key Point: WhatsApp now offers an advertising opportunity that delivers reporting on traffic, conversions, and page post engagement.

How big of a deal is this?

Image result for whatsapp logo

Marketing Land says there are presently more than 1.5 Billion WhatsApp users.

Savvy businesses are using the app to establish a direct line of communication with prospects and customers.

You’ll need to attach WhatsApp to your Facebook Page to get going, but the potential audience is well worth the learning curve and time expenditure … if the demographics fit.

Find out more here: WhatsApp Expands Capabilities.

ALSO READ: What Is WhatsApp?

TOP 4 MARKETING TRENDS FOR 2019

Topic: Ecommerce

Key Point: Of all the 2019 prognostications, this is one of the best. Duct Tape Marketing’s founder, John Jantsch, pulls out the stops, keeps it simple, and provides tips any digital marketer can profit from.

Especially the first trend.

The lead point is one many may underestimate. Google My Business may become (or already be) a significant ranking factor for small business SEO.

Don’t miss this short read. It’s well worth the time: 2019 Marketing Trends.

Are you ready for 2019?

In the intro, we pointed out that the past is a big part of the future. You can’t change last year. It’s over. The work you did then is paying off now. If you slacked off, you’re feeling it.

Here’s the point:

What you do now will in large part determine where you go this year. If you study hard, work diligently, and do what you need to do you’ll reap those results.

If you don’t, you won’t.

By reading Stukent’s NYCU, you’re telling us you’ve got what it takes to succeed.

Keep going. Make 2019 your best year ever.

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