Be Memorable #BigIdeas2016

Sometimes some of the best ideas can be the most simple, so here's my 2 cents (pence) as to what's going to be on my mind over the next year:

In 2016, businesses and their marketing departments will see a gargantuan shift back to creating real experiences for real people.

As a digital marketer for the last 15 years I’m thrilled about this and can’t wait to get stuck in!

Here’s why in my opinion:

• Research from Nielsen I frequently quote when speaking about trends in digital marketing says only fifteen percent of consumers believe what a brand has to say, while ninety percent are likely to trust the recommendation of a friend, peer or family member.
• Gartner says The Internet of Things will see connected “things” go from 4.9 billion in 2015 to 20 billion in 2020. What an opportunity that is to bridge the real and digital worlds?!
• We’re not happy with the way we are using our devices in social situations and we’re craving empathy not just from humans, but from brands too!
• When my team at Delightful Communications looked back at the inquiries about our marketing services in 2015, personal branding, influencer marketing and employee advocacy were by far the most asked for.

When you look at why your content marketing fails you’ll see the key to success is not just being discoverable and sharable but also being MEMORABLE which is why, in 2016, marketers will try and create more MEMORABLE experiences (both online and off), focus on quality of content over quantity and actually merge traditional and digital marketing strategies to be more authentic, useful, relevant and actionable.......for real people!

To quote Microsoft Research legend, Bill Buxton, on what 2016 holds for us:

“The age of digital baubles, do-dads and planned obsolescence will begin to fade, and the focus of industry and consumers will shift from technology, per se, to enhanced human experience, values and potential.”

Helping our clients be MEMORABLE through real experiences is going to be the big idea I focus on in 2016.

Simple idea?

Yes. 

Big?

I'll let you know in December!

How about you? #BigIdeas2016

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Mel Carson is founder of Seattle-based consultancy – Delightful Communications – which helps businesses and individuals understand and successfully apply strategies that focus on Content Marketing, Social Media, Digital PR and Personal Branding.

He's also a public speaker on digital marketing and published author.