The world of digital in uncertain times – Bizcommunity.com

With few warning signs, and in a mind-bending and staggering short space of time, the human species, in a fight for survival, has been jolted into a state of isolation and social distancing.

In this article, we will explore some of the digital marketing trends we are learning from other countries and how we should be communicating to maintain brand presence during this period of business unusual.

This hunger for information (and even misinformation at times) has brought on the sharp emergence of video conferencing apps. Facebook has launched Messenger Rooms. We have seen the meteoric rise of Zoom, although questions are being asked around possible security and privacy concerns. Others emerging in the wake of Zoom include, Skype Meet Now, Cisco Webex, Starleaf, Jitsi Meetand yes, Google Hangouts is still around.

Consumer behaviour has also changed rapidly. We are excessively consuming more digital content, all of the time. From streaming services to social media, digital is the new normal as to how we keep in touch and stay informed.

Craig Mawdsley, joint chief strategy officer at AMV BBDO, shared some wise words in a recent article published for Think with Google -

Could we see the emergence of key opinion leaders (KOL) in the future of travel marketing? These are not influencers the likes of Kardashians or Hollywood stars (who influence only in the digital world) but rather thought leaders in a specific area that people trust (inside and outside the world of digital).

Through this power of influence, we are able to deliver on the three Rs of influence marketing - reach, relevance and resonance. Targeted messages to selected audiences, in a tone that is engaging and memorable, leaving a brand mark for the time when we can all travel again.

Some top travel KOLs include Murad Osmann, who has 4.1 million Instagram followers, and The Bucket List Family with 1.7 million Instagram followers. When it comes to industry executives or thought leaders, travel KOLs include Chip Conley, who founded Joie de Vivre Hospitality, a hotel and restaurant company. - Izea Influencer Marketing

Although tourism is one of the hardest-hit sectors in this time of isolation, online marketing, and maintaining a digital brand presence for future clients, is crucial for the long term survival of any travel-related brand.

As the world is turning to digital platforms to stay informed and connected, so should our marketing efforts be focussed on digital marketing to maintain brand awareness for when we can all travel again. Here are some of our recommendations

Start planning now for recovery. Keep investing in marketing.

For now. Stay home. Stay safe. Stay connected.