10 Digital Marketing Facts for 2016

In 2016, the average person spends more time online than watching TV or interacting with other media such as newspapers and magazines. As a result of the constant desire for the internet (circa 40% of the worldwide population actively using the internet), digital marketing budgets are expected to rise, and then rise again!

1. Mobile conversion rates are on the rise

Mobile conversion rates across search, social and display have had an annual growth of circa 32.9% (search), 51.2% (social) and 34.7% (display). Following the ‘Google mobile friendly’ update, Google has announced that 'more Google searches take place on mobile devices than on computers in 10 countries including the US and Japan.' 

2. Businesses should optimise for mobile

According to Ofcom, 'smartphones are considered the preferential browsing device by internet users in the UK'. To ensure your business benefits in 2016 and beyond, you will need to ensure your website is responsive to such devices, as well as undertake mobile SEO activities and produce content personalised for mobile. 

3. Facebook Messenger on top

According to Facebook, Facebook Messenger now has 900 million monthly users, adding an extra 100 million from January 2016! If there was ever a time for a social media marketing plan, we would say it was now!

4. User experience is key to success

Google has suggested that 90% of people move between devices (desktop, tablet and mobile) to accomplish a goal, proving the importance of ensuring a good user experience across the board.

Key areas of focus that help provide a good user experience include; responsive design, quality content, actionable 'call to actions', simple navigation, appealing design...

By getting these right, your visitors are more likely to have a better user experience, become a regular user, interact with your business and refer other people to your website. 

5. First impressions are everything

First impressions count. 2.6 Seconds is the time it takes for users' eyes to find a section of a website that influences their first impression.

In a recent study, Google found that websites that followed general conventions and had low visual complexity were perceived as highly appealing and created a positive first impression with users. Read our blog to find out how Google views your website...

6. Quality, not quantity

Link building is a key factor of Google’s ranking algorithm because it conveys trust and credibility for your website. This is a key area, that carried out incorrectly can have a damaging effect on businesses i.e. linking to a high amount of irrelevant links will affect a websites reputation with Google. 

It is all about the quality of the source, how relevant it is for the user and the authority of the link.

7. Content budgets are on the rise…

This year, circa 28% of overall marketing budgets will be spent on content marketing. This is because having relevant, updated content, will help improve the credibility of your website to Google, enabling your business to become a more reliable source for users. Have you got your content budget covered?

8. Analysing your marketing activity is crucial

It is important to track your marketing data, analyse it and adjust your strategy to stay competitive. There are many methods of which are excellent in providing accurate results that businesses can really measure to stay on top. 

Hiring a digital marketing agency provides a great opportunity to gain regular, precise analytics and data - freeing your time to handle other aspects of your business! 

9. Investing in SEO is important

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is a trend that is hot in 2016 and is responsible for driving a high percentage of traffic to websites from Google (when done correctly). SEO includes: keyword optimised content, links, website design & navigation and competitor analysis - to name just a few! How many of these are you budgeting for this year?

10. You need a marketing budget

In 2015 the average company allocated circa 30% of their company budget to digital marketing to ensure their marketing was handled effectively. With more and more businesses realising the importance of a good digital marketing strategy, it is key that your business sets aside a budget to stay competitive and makes the most of the huge amount of digital users in 2016! 

Want the best Marketing Strategy for Your Business?

At iCandy Design, we work closely with our clients to provide supporting marketing activities and work hard to stay up to date with the current trends. If you would like help improving your digital marketing strategy for 2016, please get in touch!