The digital marketing landscape is an ever-evolving realm that never ceases to surprise and challenge even the most experienced marketers. April 2023 has been no exception, with several groundbreaking developments that continue to redefine the way businesses and individuals interact in the digital space.
Staying up to date with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices is an absolute necessity for anyone looking to excel in this competitive industry. From emerging platforms to innovative strategies, we’ll keep you informed and prepared to navigate the ever-changing digital marketing terrain.
Here are 5 of the most noteworthy happenings and trends from the digital marketing space last month:
More and More Marketers Are Using AI
Even if you don’t work in marketing, you know that AI is infiltrating every area of our world – but it’s especially rampant in the digital marketing space.
Mark Webster of Authority Hacker put together a survey last month polling the AI experiences of over 3,800 marketers. One of his biggest findings is that the majority of digital marketers are using AI to some degree in their day-to-day work.
The survey delves into various aspects of AI usage, uncovering findings like:
- 75.7% of marketers are now incorporating AI tools in their work
- 85.1% use AI specifically for article creation
- A positive outlook is held by 60% of marketers regarding the AI industry’s growth
- A mere 30.1% believe AI will adversely affect search traffic within the next five years
Despite the promising results, the survey also uncovers some prevalent concerns. 63% of respondents identify inconsistencies in AI-generated content as a significant issue. Moreover, less than 15% of users trust the keyword data produced by AI.
Check out the full article for more information.
TikTok Ads Search Ads (Beta)
TikTok has introduced beta testing for search ads, presenting new opportunities for marketers on TikTok. These “Sponsored” labeled ads appear above the “others searched for” section on the search results page, enabling advertisers to target users based on specific search terms.
This approach can potentially reach users with higher purchase intent and interest, complementing existing TikTok marketing strategies. TikTok will also provide advertisers with search terms that drove the most ad clicks, aiding in content targeting, video title optimization, and other marketing tasks. As the platform continues to expand its ad suite and creator revenue options, search ads serve as a valuable addition for brands looking to maximize their presence on TikTok.
Multiple Links in Instagram Bios
The days of using LinkTree to squeeze all your links into your bio might be over.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently announced that Instagram now allows users to add up to five links in their profile bios, a significant upgrade from the previous single link. This feature, available to all account types, eliminates the need for third-party apps like Linktree.
To access this feature, users must update their app, then add multiple links via the Edit profile > Links > Add external link option. You can also arrange the links by dragging and dropping them into the desired order. This highly requested feature offers a unique addition to Instagram’s toolset, unlike many of its competitor-inspired tools. Instagram has been rapidly adding new features, such as insights into top trending songs, hashtags, and topics on Reels – trying hard to stave off the rapid growth of TikTok.
LinkedIn Adds Custom CTA Buttons
LinkedIn has begun introducing a new feature exclusive to LinkedIn Premium members. This feature allows users with a monthly subscription to incorporate personalized calls to action (CTAs) into their profiles, guiding visitors to a designated destination URL.
LinkedIn said: “For many of our Premium Business subscribers, their LinkedIn profile is crucial for connecting to new business opportunities. That’s why we’re starting to roll out a new Custom Button that provides the option to add a personalized call-to-action to their profile.”
Those with access will be able to choose from one of six CTAs:
- Visit my store
- Visit my website
- View my portfolio
- Visit my blog
- Request a consultation
- Sign up for a demo
When you’ve decided on which button you want to use, you can then enter a specific URL, which will likely be to your own website (or that of your business).
Analyzing the Results of Google’s March 2023 Core Update
Google announced the long-awaited March 2023 core update on March 15, following significant changes in organic search, such as the Helpful Content Update, Product Reviews Updates, and the rise of generative AI tools. It finished rolling out at the end of March, and we’re starting to see the biggest changes, winners, and losers.
Amisive Digital ran a massive study. Here are their biggest winners in term of category of site:
Here were the study’s biggest conclusions:
- The update caused significant volatility among dictionary sites, with many sites losing significant visibility but others winning
- Many sites that aggregate information from other sources without offering their own unique product or service struggled with this update
- Some niche sites that demonstrate true “Experience” saw increases
- Some big health players slightly lost visibility, giving more room to smaller health sites
- Many music and entertainment sites benefitted from the update
Get Help from a Digital Marketing Agency
If you operate as a marketing team of one, or you have a small team, it can be difficult to keep up with changes in the industry across all the different platforms and marketing channels. If you find the constant changes and updates overwhelming, partnering with a digital marketing agency can be a big help. Our team would love to discuss your goals and let you know we can help.
