January 23, 2018 | By RGR Marketing Blog

2018’s Go-To Marketing Trends That You Need to Know About

As 2017 officially closes, it’s time to set our sights on the year ahead. In the world of solar sales marketing, trends and demands are constantly shifting, so it’s important to stay ahead of your competitors by capitalizing on B2B marketing trends.

Eager to make the most of your solar business strategy in 2018? Here are the top 10 marketing trends you need to know for 2018.

Content Marketing

Many trends change, but some stay the same, and old-school content marketing continues as a staple in the 2018 world of B2B marketing. In the year ahead, get back to basics and pepper your website with original content that promotes sincere thought leadership, in contrast to sales and self-promotion.

LinkedIn Marketing

Millennials may discredit LinkedIn as a marketing platform, but more and more people are turning to LinkedIn as a sales and recruiting tool. Our advice? Get in on the trend early, this now Microsoft-owned product is anticipated to outperform other social channels for B2B businesses.

AI Web Messaging

With new tools on the market, such as Drift and Intercom, solar sales marketers can use AI-powered live-chat tools to interact with solar customers. As AI becomes prevalent in other industries, customers will welcome the familiarity of the medium.

Live Events

Despite popular opinion, live events aren’t a bygone thing in the world of B2B marketing. According to Entrepreneur, “Approximately two-thirds of marketers say that they will increase the number of live events they host in 2018. This is because marketers recognize that live events are one of the most effective marketing channels.”

Instagram Over Facebook

The days of Facebook reigning supreme are waning. In 2018, Instagram is slated to rank in the top social media platforms for sales marketing. As the app continues to improve sales capabilities, make sure to create an Instagram for your company in 2018.

Influencer Marketing

It’s likely that you’ve seen influencer marketing as celebrities promote cosmetics brands or resort destinations, but influencer marketing can extend to solar sales, too. Identify trendsetters who have the trust and attention of others, and invite these groups to promote your solar products through social media.

Update Your Website

Rebranding initiatives can be costly, but overhauling your website to adopt a more user-friendly platform, or shifting your web content to align more closely with your 2018 B2B marketing strategy can go a long way toward getting clients to stay on your website, and in effect, boosting your solar sales.

Sponsorship

Whether you choose to sponsor a Little League team or an environmental organization, it’s important to make your company recognizable within your sales community. Did an organization positively impact your business in 2017? Consider sponsorship as a way to show your support as a job creator in the community.

Podcasting

Before you relegate podcasting to the arena of trendy true crime or reality star truths, consider podcasting as a valuable B2B solar sales strategy. By recording a podcast, you position your company as an expert. Consider topics like “what solar buyers need to know in 2018,” or “or how to install solar panels in wet climates,” as ideal topics to gain trust amongst buyers.

Nurtured Leads

According to Solar Power World, “Nurtured leads produce, on average, a 20% increase in sales opportunities versus non-nurtured lead.” While the new B2B tools at our disposal help improve solar sales, nothing beats the power of leveraged connections, displaying a client list, or hosting an event that allows you to score face to face time with your customers. Whether you nurture your leads digitally or personally, grow your business with this B2B strategy in 2018.

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