Question 3
Digital Communication Trends
- The Internet of Things
This is the most well-known trend around the field of digital marketing and digital communication. This looks at any device that is able to connect to the internet, from phones to cars and toys to home appliances. It’s changing the way we learn and think towards the things we know and do (The IIE, 2021).
An example of this is a TV being switched on or off with the use of a smartphone app as the smartphone is an internet of things device.
- Personalised Advertising
Personalised advertising is a great trend that improves relevance for users and has a great increase on ROI for the advertiser. This enables advertisers to target their project based on their interest and provides users with an improved experience which also benefits the advertisers (Google, 2021).
An example of personalised advertising can be taking questions from your audience to hear their experience about your content, which allows you to look at what you want to improve for in the experience.
- Interactive Chatbots
According to Frankenfield (2020) Interactive chatbot is a computer program that creates human conversation with the use of voice commands and text chats. This program can be embedded and used through messaging applications.
An example of this is the virtual assistant on Wish.com that tracks your order and any other assistance needed on the app.
- Wearable Technology
Hayes (2021) states that wearables are an electronic device category that can be worn as accessories. These devices are hands-free devices with practical uses and can receive and send data with use of the internet.
An example of this is an individual wearing a smartwatch while they workout and the smartwatch sends data to the individual about their performance and fitness levels.
- Social Media in Business Communication
Social media is an online form of communication that allows individuals to interact with their customers. This makes the element of communication easier when buying and selling products online, as it also allows brands to promote their products and service to the audience (Business, 2021).
An example is having a blog site to communicate and showcase your product and service to customers.
Reference
Business. 2021. Social Media For Business, 23 June 2021. [Online]. Available at: https://business.gov.au/online/social-media-for-business [Accessed 25 October 2021].
Frankenfield, J. 2020. Chatbot Defenition, Investopedia, 27 June 2020. [Online]. Available at https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/chatbot.asp [Accessed 25 October 2021].
Google. 2021. Personalized Advertising. [Online]. Available at: https://support.google.com/adspolicy/answer/143465?hl=en [Accessed 25 October 2021].
Hayes, A. 2020. Wearable Technology Definition, Investopedia, 05 October 2021. [Online]. Available at: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/w/wearable-technology.asp [Accessed 25 October 2021].
The IIE. 2021. Digital Citizenship [DIGC5110]. The Independent Institute of Education: Unpublished.
Nkululeko 