Sure, 2020 wasn’t exactly the year we asked for and definitely not the year we wanted. However, it did bring some invaluable lessons in both life and marketing. As we get ready to ring in 2021, take this time to reflect on what you’ve learned from this unprecedented year. As far as your marketing plan for the coming year, here are five lessons to remember for your business. 

1. Expect the Unexpected

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that you can’t plan for everything. Make sure the people working for you are the type to go with the flow and quickly adapt when things change. The same goes for your marketing. 

Suddenly when the world shut down, many marketing ideas and campaigns were no longer relevant. For example, it was no longer best practice to show a crowded restaurant or a packed music festival with your marketing materials. Social distancing became the new norm. We all adapted quickly in 2020, and should be ready for whatever 2021 throws our way. 

2. Go Digital

If you aren’t on board with digital marketing just yet, there has never been a better time. With thousands more working from home virtually than ever before, this is the perfect time to get in front of both new and repeat customers alike. Consider paid advertising on your favorite social media channels to get in front of a new customer base. 

The best part about the digital world is that you can reach customers anywhere. While your clientele used to be those within driving distance to your physical location, online shopping has now changed the way you can do business. Reach new customers from all across the country, or even world. 

3. Empathy Wins

Despite the major stresses and pitfalls during these unprecedented times, 2020 showed us that humanity can win. From actor John Krasinski providing a dose of “Good News” to complete strangers helping each other out with basic necessities and rent, the stories of empathy and care have still shown through all the bad. Make sure to speak with empathy in your marketing language. It makes your business more relatable, and shows that you care about what’s happening in the world.
 

4. Attention Spans are Short

You generally have one chance to make a good first impression. It’s important for your business to quickly grab the attention of your audience. The pandemic we’re experiencing has caused heightened stress levels across the board, parents doubling as at-home teachers and so much more. With a lot on the brain, attention spans are short. Whether on social media channels or in your content marketing, make sure to lead with information that will grab your end-user’s attention.

5. What’s Trending Today Could be Gone Tomorrow

If you guessed Tik Tok would be a social media platform five years ago, you would be a genius. Life moves fast, and what works for your business today may not work tomorrow. Make sure to schedule checkpoints to assess if what you’re doing is working, if you’re reaching the right people and if you could be exploring new channels. To stay relevant, your marketing strategy should be constantly evolving.

While we’re undoubtedly ready for 2020 to come to an end, there are always lessons to be learned from hard times. Take these five lessons with you in the year to come. Remember that what you’re doing today might need to quickly change. Digital marketing is the way of the future, especially with so many remote workers. Above all, be kind and understand that we’re all in this together.