In an era where the world is constantly changing, so are social trends, human behavior, and various trends including fashion, food, technology, and marketing. Currently, digital marketing is a crucial component of marketing strategies as Thailand is fully transitioning into a digital society. According to Kantar Worldpanel, a consumer goods research company, digital advertising accounted for 12.9% of the market share in 2017, and it is expected to rise to 15.3% in 2018. This aligns with the fact that 75% of Thais are now using the internet, while traditional media is on the decline. To seize opportunities in this market, let's explore 5 interesting digital marketing tools in 2018 that can boost sales and enhance brand value.

  1. All-in-One Mobile Solutions Today, smartphones are used to access various online services, with users far exceeding those of computers and tablets. Therefore, it is essential to create a smartphone experience that serves as a One Stop Service, allowing users to do everything through their smartphones—not just communication, products, promotions, or information. Mobile Apps or Mobile Web should be designed to keep customers informed about product details and promotions, enabling them to place orders, check product status, and engage in conversations through a Chat Bot that can respond to customers in real-time, fostering a positive customer experience. Brands that fail to adapt to Mobile Apps or Mobile Web will eventually be forgotten.
  2. Connecting with IoT (Internet of Things) In our daily lives, we interact with numerous technologies, including smartphones, computers, and appliances. The IoT enables devices to work together intelligently, making daily life more convenient. Similar to Smart Watches, which connect and work with smartphones to meet consumer demands for convenience, IoT connects and controls all devices to improve life. This presents an opportunity for brands to leverage this technology as a key tool to win over consumers in a digital age that values limitless convenience.
  3. O2O is a Must Online to Offline (O2O) refers to the integration of online business with offline presence. Consumers do not exist solely online or offline; they navigate both worlds. Thus, marketing on only one side will not reach all consumers and reduces the interaction between brand owners and customers. By utilizing the strengths of online marketing to build credibility and community networks, while offline serves as a direct distribution channel to customers, it alleviates customer concerns as the brand has a tangible presence. For instance, Amazon, a giant in e-commerce, has begun experimenting with the O2O model by opening Amazon Go convenience stores, where customers can grab items and scan them through an app, allowing them to walk out without traditional checkout processes. They also plan to open more stores that connect the online and real worlds.
  4. VR & AR for Realistic Experiences Virtual Reality (VR) technology allows users to wear headsets and see three-dimensional simulated images, while Augmented Reality (AR) offers three-dimensional experiences on mobile devices, which are less costly than VR but also provide a less immersive experience. Although this technology has primarily been seen in gaming and entertainment, its application is expanding into other industries to enhance business and products. In real estate, for example, VR is being used to create 3D virtual home models, allowing customers to visualize projects clearly and aiding in their purchasing decisions. Other industries are also increasingly adopting VR and AR technologies.
  5. Video Content is Here to Stay It is evident that video content is more popular than traditional text or image posts, with engagement rates continuously rising due to its engaging nature. Video content fosters emotional connections and enhances brand recall, allowing brands to convey messages more comprehensively since it can include more details than other formats. Additionally, this year, Facebook has prioritized video content, prompting the digital industry to engage consumers with animated clips.

         These 5 digital marketing tools are intriguing trends for 2018, but there are many other digital marketing tools that are equally interesting and suitable for various brands to enhance their marketing effectiveness. For those looking for ideas to make a splash in digital marketing, don't miss the e-Biz Expo 2018 from June 7-9, which will provide insights into digital marketing and other online business topics, including e-Logistics, e-Payment, e-Tailer, Cross Border, and e-Commerce, along with exclusive consulting services from experts.

Thanks for the information from www.modernteer.com