As has already been happening, the internet and the intelligent use of data should continue to dominate the business environment. Entrepreneurs, directors and managers need to be aware of some new developments that should gain strength and take off in 2017.
Want to know more about market trends in 2017? Check out what's coming up now!
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things is not exactly new, and the market has been talking about it for some time. However, this seems to be its best moment yet. The number of products and devices connected to the Internet is growing and the topic should become increasingly evident.
You need to be prepared to see not only TVs, smartphones, tablets french email address list computers connected to the internet, but all other objects. Organize your company and your products to deal with this.
Digital Marketing
A study published by the eMarketer portal revealed that, at the end of 2016, investments in online advertising surpassed, for the first time, spending on TV ads. According to the portal, digital media will continue to grow, while investment in TV should remain practically unchanged.
These numbers show that digital marketing has reached unprecedented proportions and deserves due attention. Creating and maintaining a strong online presence is set to become even more important, and your company cannot be left out.
In this context, content marketing and social media are particularly relevant. These two tools will be in vogue in large companies and will act as sales drivers.
Big Data Analytics
Big data management involves intelligently using data available in the company, on the internet and in the market in general. The volume of information created every day is enormous and dealing with it can be complicated.
That's why companies are investing in intelligent software that makes data available in a structured and easy-to-view manner. These software and applications are replacing or optimizing good old spreadsheets and are a major market trend for the year.
The evolution in the way data is processed allows managers to focus on what really matters and develop more effective ways of using knowledge. Thus, big data analytics is a powerful tool for generating assertive actions and decisions.
Virtual reality
Virtual reality and augmented reality came into the spotlight in 2016 after the success of games using these technologies, especially Pokemon Go.
The trend is that these platforms will continue to grow. Virtual reality can be used in other entertainment sectors and even in industry and medicine.
Automation and smart machines
Automation is gaining momentum and companies are increasingly exploring its benefits. In addition to the already well-known automation of processes in industries and offices, it has also taken over other areas. Customer service and user interaction software or robots are becoming increasingly common.
Facebook's famous algorithm and iOS's Siri dynamic are great examples of how machines tend to become increasingly intelligent and automated. In addition, autonomous cars and drones are already revolutionizing the transportation market.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is yet another example of the power of the internet and technology. It has emerged primarily as a simple and accessible way to raise money for artistic, entertainment and related projects.
However, companies are already beginning to see crowdfunding as an attractive and smart strategy to attract not only money, but also new customers. Crowdfunding has also proven to be an effective way to test and approve products before putting them into circulation.
Merging online and offline environments
It will become increasingly difficult to separate what happens in the digital environment from what happens outside it. Therefore, companies need to think of tactics to integrate their operations across multiple platforms. Operating omnichannel can be a good way to improve customer relationships.
Even so, keeping physical stores running when any product is just a click away from the customer can be challenging. The secret to winning in e-commerce is to show that customer service and know-how make all the difference.
In this regard, it is also important to emphasize that, despite the enormous growth of marketing and digital commerce, physical stores and face-to-face negotiations cannot be ignored. The two environments complement each other and can work together to make the other grow.