The Top Advertising Trends Driving Sales Right Now

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Advertising is constantly evolving as businesses try to find new ways to capture consumers’ attention. This is especially true as the industry navigates into a cookieless future and growing media channels.

Yet as changes come and go, keeping up with the latest trends is crucial for driving sales growth.

Here are some of the top advertising trends you see today.

1. Short Video Ads

Most consumers don’t have the patience for long videos. In fact, many will skip the ad to continue enjoying their online experience.

Therefore, you’ll see many brands are trending toward short but highly engaging advertisements to prevent the user from skipping.

In fact, some brands are keeping their online ads under 10 seconds because that’s all the time they have to hold users’ attention.

According to Lemonlight, consumers reported clear messaging and authenticity were the two top traits of an engaging video. 

Ensure you’re implementing short and creative video advertisements to attract online consumers. When done correctly, 81% of marketers mentioned that video marketing had helped increase sales. 

2. Print Advertisements

While print advertisements aren’t as easy to track as digital campaigns, you can still guarantee results. That’s because printed ads are one of the most trusted forms of advertising today.

Many of the print advertisements you’ll see today have a digital twist. For example, QR codes are a convenient way for consumers to visit your website, watch videos, access free downloads and more. 

Integrating QR code stickers into your printed ads further enhances this digital interaction. These stickers enable consumers to easily scan and engage with your content, whether it’s to visit your website, access exclusive offers, or participate in interactive experiences. This not only enhances user engagement but also provides valuable data for tracking the effectiveness of your print campaigns in real-time.

3. Signage

From traditional billboards to storefront installation, signage remains an advertising cornerstone for various industries. However, several trends are taking place with outdoor advertising.

Many consumers are fond of nostalgia and brands are all for using retro designs in their signs. Even electrical neon signs are one trend that is taking place and is great for directing shoppers to your store. 

However, many are incorporating a modern, eco-friendly mix by using energy-efficient light bulbs to embrace environmental branding.

4. Audio Ads

Audio is one of the largest media channels growing in strength. From music streaming to podcasts, more brands are discovering that this is the place to advertise.

According to Nielsen, 75% of people will listen to audio content while working from home. 

As more user activity occurs on these platforms, now is the time to take advantage of the opportunity. 

5. Mobile Gaming App Advertising

The mobile gaming industry is forecasted to reach $117 billion by 2023, meaning gamers are highly invested in mobile playtime.

Therefore, users are more likely to see your in-game display ads than on the internet. Alongside a typical banner ad, you’ll also see companies investing in interstitial advertising within gaming apps. 

Interstitial ads are great for an uninterrupted gaming experience. Once a user reaches a stopping point in the game, your ad will appear. Using these ads won’t feel unnatural to users.

Plus, they take up all of the users’ screens, guaranteeing more views of your ad.

6. Authentic Messaging In Social Media Ads

Consumers demand more authentic messages within advertisements that brands run on social media. Since most consumers don’t trust social media as much as print or video, they expect more from brands. 

Influencer marketing is one form of advertising that has helped humanize brands. Seeing real people use company products and services conveys authenticity, and more businesses are increasing their budgets to use this strategy.

7. Personalized Direct Mail

Direct mail has had a steady decline over the last few years. But spending on direct mail steadily increased this past year due to more people working from home. 

Plus, millennials and Gen Z consumers seem to enjoy receiving direct mail since they are experiencing digital burnout. Therefore, younger consumers crave tangible forms of advertising and direct mail.

However, personalization and relevance are key. Today’s direct mail includes offers and messages that speak to consumers’ individual needs. Furthermore, they incorporate colors, images and layouts that reflect the consumer’s interest. 

Follow These Top Advertising Trends

Advertising strategies are quickly shifting since consumers spend more time at home and on mobile devices. Consider investing in these trends so you can look forward to increasing your sales growth this year. 

Some advertisers are taking advantage of these changes by using AI tools to drive their campaigns. You may want to be on the lookout for these tools since they can help you make the most of your budget in the future. 

Eleanor Hecks is the founder and managing editor of Designerly Magazine. She’s also a web design consultant with a focus on customer experience and user interface. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and dogs, Bear and Lucy. Connect with her about marketing, design and/or tea on LinkedIn.