The world of digital is ever-changing, and 2017 will not be any different. The ability to anticipate change, plan accordingly, and adapt to trends before the competition differentiates the elite from the good in digital marketing.

There are always technological advancements right around the corner—so how do you stay ahead of the curve in the digital-dependent era? Here are a few digital marketing trends you should consider for 2017:

Live Streaming Video

According to FocusVision and Zanthus, 41% of TV subscribers plan to either cut back or completely sever their subscriptions in the near future­—so where will they be heading? To other social and digital outlets!

With Twitter streaming NFL games and Instagram implementing stories, live videos are the next generation of video ads. Although video ads will never be replaced, the “better watch now or you’ll miss out on the opportunity” mentality that corresponds with live streaming is highly successful at hooking consumers.

Today’s consumers want transparency, and the unfiltered, unedited look into your business and products gives consumers just what they’re looking for.

Live streaming isn’t only for e-commerce businesses, B2B marketers can take full advantage of this trend as well. Use live streaming to include your consumers in webinars, announcements, Q & A’s, and much more to get them involved and up-to-date on the latest from your brand.

Messaging

In a time where consumers can get answers to their questions without having to make a phone call, messaging is key.

Messaging allows consumers to get assistance in real time, without the fear of being put on hold or the hassle of finding a convenient time to make the call. If you don’t have messaging services, consumers are likely avoiding making the phone call to your business, which essentially means they are putting off the possibility of doing business with you.

Be sure that you are providing relevant content and utilize your chat platform to learn more about your customers’ behaviors.

Virtual Reality

Now is the time to get ahead of virtual reality (VR). VR uses computer-generated simulations to make users feel like they are experiencing something firsthand.

Although it hasn’t been huge in 2016, it is beginning to gain traction and is a definite for the future. Utilize this technology to demonstrate product features and functionality, implement a branded entertainment experience at an event, show how your brand can fit into a lifestyle, and much more!

Adapting to the future of virtual reality now will put you ahead of the game as the outlet continues to grow. For some help, check out these tips to get started with virtual reality marketing.

Augmented Reality

While VR is entirely computer-generated, augmented reality (AR) layers computer-generated enhancements in order to make the user’s existing reality more interactive. You can think of Pokemon Go as a prime example of this.

This is one trend you want to (and need to) get ahead of. Be creative and find ways to effectively engage your consumers through AR!

Beacons

Beacons are one-way transmitters that detect mobile devices that are nearby (and have Bluetooth turned on). They do not collect information from the device, but instead, send them messages.

Beacons are being placed in stores, or in specific sections of stores to send shoppers notifications and promotions in real time. For example, a department store may place a beacon in the luggage section to send a coupon on luggage. This way, when a customer enters that department they will receive the coupon.

Rewarding customers in real time increases open rates with the most relevant messages possible.

Not only can you increase engagement, but you can also learn more about your customers. From beacons, you may learn which departments are most popular, or which aisles your shoppers spend more time in.

Beacons are also being used at trade shows, schools, in sports arenas, and many other places!

Influencer Marketing

Consumers want an unbiased opinion of your brand. In fact, 92% of consumers prefer feedback from other customers (even if they are total strangers) over any form of branded content. Influencer marketing is becoming increasingly popular, but it must be done tastefully.

Align your brand with an influencer who will portray your business in the right way while remaining transparent with consumers. The goal is to give your consumers an unprejudiced opinion of your brand so that they feel more comfortable making the purchase.

Mobile Devices

Most consumers are using more than one device at a time, which enables great connectivity possibilities.

Wearables are becoming more mainstream, and with the release of the second-generation Apple Watch it is important that you take advantage of wearables’ marketing opportunities.

The opportunities to connect with consumers are becoming endless, so be sure that you are making efforts to connect with your audience on all screens.

While considering all of these trends, be mindful of the experience you are providing consumers. Now more than ever before, consumers want intimacy. They want to feel as though your business has taken the time to give them the individualized attention they want and need to feel comfortable choosing your brand. Tailor your online experience to better suit your shoppers’ behaviors. Your goal should be to speak directly to their habits and interests, and to make them feel important.

So is your digital marketing strategy destined to dominate in 2017? Try implementing some of the upcoming trends above and let us know what you think!