2019 is the year of Mobile, Automation and Personalization.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are here to stay. Basically everything that can be automated – will…and that’s a good thing for the most part. The efficiency of data gathering and the ability to personalize the customer experience will strengthen the demand for AI and early adopters will continue to thrive.

ChatBots rise in usage for marketing as a means to create a faster customer response causing a greater UX.
B2B, B2C and B2B (Bot2Bot) will grow in 2019 and start to become mainstream for companies and employees alike.

The lines of reality and mixed reality continue to blur with VR and AR.
On the hardware side of things, headset costs will come down while added components such as eye-tracking and wireless will draw more people in.
Live music and event experiences are one of the intriguing ways I think that VR/AR will engage in 2019.

Owlchemy's "Vacation Simulator" is set to launch in 2019 after a successful "Job Simulator" game.
With Oculus also positioned for a strong push - 2019 will see Gamification jump.

As Facebook interactions take a dive - "dark social" or Messaging Apps are bounding.
This will limit marketers to what data they can mine with more users taking things to more private venues. It will be interesting to watch what creative means they come up with to lure folks back towards their brands.

Despite the sometimes comedic or frustrating interactions with personal assistants like Alex and Siri, Voice Search is on the rise. Your parrot or two year old may still do some online shopping now and then, but the convenience of Voice should have marketers scrambling to figure out how to utilize this for themselves and their clients. Optimize all sites for mobile and think about the differences in how people format queries when they speak – as opposed to when they type.

Strategy in 2019 will be complicated. Each client will have different needs and marketers are going to have to try and keep up with multiple trends exploding. See the rise of "agencies" as opposed to individuals, as there needs to be more specialized offerings. I predict "Marketing Coops" will become a "thing", as independent marketers collaborate and outsource services to trusted colleagues.

"Micro-Influencers" is the buzz word of 2018 and its here to stay. More accessible, usually more engaged with their audiences - Micro-Influencers have a growing capital in the marketing arena. Strong marketers will start cultivating these relationships even before they have a client need.

Not just about cryptocurrencies (although some platforms are utilizing BlockChain for payment methods); BlockChain is going to be a solid base with social media in the coming years. BC will make it easier to verify profiles and content easing the onslaught of fake profiles and articles. Steemit, Indorse and Sola are already BC social media platforms gaining ground.

PWAs are apps that load like websites and can be used offline. In short - its a framework to host your site on.
Why does this matter?
1) Faster Site Loading: 3 seconds is all you have to keep people on your website
2) People Hate Downloading Apps: with consumers being more selective in what apps they download to their devices, this gives them the best of both worlds.
3) People Prefer Apps to Websites: This solves 2 and 3.

Flat Design, Video Headers & Backgrounds and Card Based Layouts are some of the design trends as Mobile continues its climb to the top of the digital pile.

Brands have been slow to integrate their visual branding into their social media, but 2019 will be the year where they can't ignore that piece any longer. With consumers making decisions in mere seconds about a brand, being able to quickly recognize your company will be paramount. And its not just about your Facebook Page. Does your Facebook Group carry the same branding? Your FB Events? What about your Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, SnapChat, Live Streaming, Podcasts, Print Media, Emails, Website, etc.... All of it needs to in sync.

Its not enough to just have a blog any more - or share out industry posts on social media. Creating your own informative and entertaining content, while being diligent and selective with curated content is the only way to gain and retain followers, clients and subscribers in 2019.

Trends in Podcasts for 2019 include:
*Transparency of Sponsors
*Increase of Advertising
*Micro-Niche and Genres
*Analytics
*(see Voice Search, Influencers and Cohesive Branding...as these will also impact Podcasts in 2019.)

Live Streaming isn't new at all but it is gaining steam as platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and Instagram are seeing higher engagement, more brand transparency and better ROI.
E-commerce and education are seeing boosts from marketers utilizing Live Streaming and with AI creeping into the picture - it will only get bigger.

So there is the wrap-up of my prediction of the Top 12 Trends in Digital Marketing for 2019. Which ones would you have added to the list?


TK Dunn of Dunn Right Media is a Social Media Manager and Business Consultant.

To schedule a FREE Social Media Lite Audit go to: https:calendly.com/realTKDunn