CBS Consultants Share Marketing Trends that will Most Likely Dominate in 2018

CHICAGO - Dec. 12, 2017 - PRLog -- 2017 saw significant changes in the marketing world, mostly driven by innovation in technology and the rapid adaptation of handheld devices. Consultants with Corporate Business Solutions, a management consultancy firm for US-based companies, are looking at which marketing trends would dominate in 2018 so that companies can be better prepared.

Here are some of the trends that will most likely drive B2C marketing efforts in the coming year:

Influencer Marketing Would Become Even More Important

Influencer marketing is already a popular form of advertising. In the coming year, it will become even more prevalent. The main reason is the younger generation of customers. Generation Z and even some millennial buyers do not like "staged" advertising. These groups are highly reliant on recommendations and referrals to make buying decisions. In the immediate future, companies that aim to target younger buyers would end up prominently using influencers to affect purchasing decisions.

Augmented Reality Is Overtaking VR

Early in 2017, it seemed that virtual reality would become the next big thing in marketing. Then the Pokemon GO game happened. It seems that it is AR, not VR, which will drive content marketing in 2018. VR is hugely popular among video gamers, but it has yet to go mainstream. Most consumers do not own special devices that display VR content. AR content, on the other hand, does not require special devices other than a smartphone or a computer. AR-based marketing gained a foothold this year, with companies like Red Bull running successful campaigns on social platforms like SnapChat. Consultants with Corporate Business Solutions (http://www.cbs-cbs.com/) can assist businesses in redirecting marketing budgets so adopting innovating tools like AR is financially bearable for the company.

Machine Learning Programs Will Make Ad Management More Efficient

Managing ads have always been tricky for companies, especially when dozens of channels are involved. This process will soon be made less costly and more efficient by machine learning programs. New programs like Trapica are already providing high-tech ad management solutions that more businesses can benefit from in the future.

Gated Content Becomes Less Prominent

Gated content is mostly used by B2B companies. It is a variation of content marketing, where the clients can get access to content in return for valuable information, such as an email address or a phone number. Product demos and ebooks are forms of gated content. In 2017, most companies gave up on gated content because it's hard to generate leads when this content doesn't show up in organic search results. As companies rely more on organic lead generation, this content will slowly fall out of favor.

The consumer base is getting younger and technology is increasingly using artificial intelligence elements. Expect these elements to bring radical changes to digital marketing in 2018.

About Corporate Business Solutions:

Corporate Business Solutions is a consultancy firm based in Illinois that specializes in providing professional advice and business reviews for small and medium-size companies. Our consultants are highly professional, experienced and are committed to providing the best client service. We offer highly affordable rates for small businesses to conduct beneficial company-wide reviews. Our services include strategic planning, tax planning advice and marketing consultations.

Contact: 1-877-357-9366