Top 3 Digital Marketing Predictions for 2020

With 2020 less than a week away, it's time to announce our top 3 predictions for digital marketing in the next year. See how you can use them to improve in 2020 and sign up for the next session of MAIA Foundations.

By: Cris Rodriguez, MAIA Digital Marketing Expert

A New Year is upon us which ultimately means change.

Are you ready for the ever changing world of digital marketing in the new year?

Many Martial Arts School Owners are strategizing and planning their upcoming year.  And with it also being the start of a brand new decade, aspirations and goals are being set high.

After being in the digital marketing game for the past 8 years, I’ve seen my fair share of trends and wanted to share my 2020 predictions for the online world.

1) Facebook Ad Costs Continue To Raise

While I think this is no-brainer, it’s important to mention this and more importantly to explain why Ad Costs continue to rise and how you can combat this.

In the 1st quarter of 2019, Facebook announced that over 7 million active advertisers were using the social networking platform to promote their services.

This is up from 3 million just 3 years ago!

So what does that mean? There is less “real estate” on the platform (which is one of the reasons why Facebook now has 15 different placement options from which you can choose!)

With the Newsfeed being the most popular (and most successful), it can also be the most expensive since there is more competition now than ever.

2020 also brings the Presidential Election. In the last Presidential Election, we saw an $81 MILLION Ad Spend between the Trump and Clinton Administrations.

We can only estimate that this year, that number will be even higher.

So what does that mean? Rising Ad Costs for everyone else on the Platform.

How can you combat this?

First off, you need to reevaluate the way you look at your Facebook Advertising returns. Look at a lead as an appreciating asset over time. So if you can decrease your cost per lead, nurture the relationship, and evaluate what the real worth of a customer is to your business in regards to their lifetime value (as opposed to just their first purchase with you), you will notice the long term effectiveness of advertising on the Platform.

So how can you lower that cost per lead?

Test, Test, TEST!!!

You have to consistently create and test new Content, Creatives (Images/Videos), Offers, Ad Copy, and Audiences.

The platform is not a “set it and forget it” advertising channel. It requires daily attention (unless you are familiar with setting up “Rules” - but that’s a strategy for another article).

Let’s wrap this up with a good note - rising costs does mean that advertisers who don’t know what they are doing will more than likely push themselves off of the platform. So it ultimately pays to level up your skill set with your online advertising, or, if you’re like many school owners who don’t want to have to keep up with the ever changing platforms, hire an Agency to do it for you.

2) Organic Content is More Important Than Ever

Rising Ad Costs and the very small real-estate that’s available to Marketers is all the motivation you should need to focus on a strong organic game.

There is nothing more powerful than an Organic Posting Game Plan plus a Strategic Facebook Ads Campaign to drive more traffic into your Academy.

You need to be posting Content that ENGAGES your audience, and you need to be doing this CONSISTENTLY.

The best marketers know how to leverage their content and turn one piece of content into 3.

Having a Digital Marketing Calendar is more important than ever if you want to stay on top of your digital footprint.

[Did you know that MAIA Edge actually offers a Done-For-You Social Media Calendar? If you find yourself having difficulty creating organic content, this is definitely a resource you want to check out.]

3) Authenticity is Key

In a world where there are Influencers faking it on every platform, 2020 is the year of Authenticity. Most consumers online are hungry for brands that “keep it real.” Are you?

Let them inside your Academy. Let them see (preferably through video) what your School truly is about.

With automation taking over and A.I. replacing jobs, it’s time to Humanize your brand. Make sure you are actively engaging with your prospects and customers online. Highlight your Wins and Challenges. Give Props to your Team.

For the past 19 years, MAIA has always had Martial Arts School Owners' backs. We listen to your needs, and we provide you with the tools, resources, and coaching it takes for you to maximize your profitability.

If you need help with creating Organic Content, check out MAIA Edge here: www.MAIAEdge.com

If you’re ready to level-up your own personal Digital Marketing Skills, check out my 8 Week Marketing Mastermind Course here: http://bit.ly/The8WeekMarketingMastermind

If you would rather delegate this to a professional agency, check out my digital marketing agency, Grow Pro Agency, here: www.GrowProAgency.com

If you are in need of help with your Digital Marketing Skills AND your Business Systems, check out MAIA Foundations here: www.MAIAFoundations.com