Did you know that the compound annual growth rate in the digital marketing industry is projected to be 13.9% until 2026? The market is expected to reach $786.2 billion by that time frame. 

This shows the importance of staying on top of new developments and adapting strategies accordingly — especially if digital marketers want to take advantage of the growth in 2023. 

Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting out, keep reading to equip yourself with the right tips to slay your digital marketing game and stay ahead of the curve. 

1. Follow industry leaders and influencers

Industry leaders or influencers in digital marketing are individuals who have established themselves as thought leaders in their fields, and have earned a large following due to their valuable insights and expertise.

To identify the right ones to follow, start by doing some research. Look for those with a track record of accurately predicting trends and providing valuable insights. You can search for keywords related to your industry on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Even a simple Google search can do the job!

Once you’ve identified potential influencers, it’s important to follow them across various platforms, including their social media, blogs, and even podcasts. This will give you a well-rounded view of their insights and perspectives. You can also use tools like Feedly or Flipboard to create a customized news feed of content from your favorite influencers.

Another great way to engage with influencers is by commenting on their content and participating in their online communities. By adding value to the conversation, you can build relationships with influential figures in your industry and stay on their radar. 

Finally, tools like Hootsuite or Buzzsumo can help identify influencers and track their content. Hootsuite allows you to monitor social media conversations and track specific keywords or hashtags, while Buzzsumo provides insight into content that’s trending in your industry.

Pro-tip: Looking for some influencers to get started with? Here are some of our favorites:
Neil Patel — known for his expertise in SEO and content marketing 
Gary Vaynerchuk — known for his expertise in social media marketing 
Rand Fishkin — founder of Moz, recognized authority on SEO and content marketing.
2. Attend digital marketing conferences and events
Whether you’re looking to build your skills, explore new marketing strategies, or connect with like-minded professionals, attending industry conferences can be an invaluable experience. 

Conferences and events also offer exposure to new marketing strategies, tools, and technologies. You can learn about the latest trends and best practices in digital marketing, as well as gain hands-on experience.

To find relevant conferences and events, research conferences in your specific niche and choose ones that align with your interests and goals. 

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Once you’ve chosen a conference, plan your schedule to make the most of your time. Be sure to attend workshops and breakout sessions to learn about specific topics in depth. One other thing: take advantage of networking opportunities to build relationships and exchange ideas with other attendees and presenters.

Pro-tip: Some popular digital marketing conferences include: 
Social Media Marketing World
Content Marketing World
MozCon
3. Collaborate with other professionals and brands 
Working with other professionals and brands in your industry allows you to learn from their experiences and gain new insights into marketing strategies and tactics.

Here are some collaboration tips to keep in mind: 

Identify potential collaborators who share your target audience and marketing goals. Look for businesses and individuals who complement your brand and its values. 

Develop a mutually beneficial partnership. This could include co-creating content, cross-promoting each other’s products or services, or collaborating on a joint marketing campaign.

Building relationships is key to successful collaborations. Take the time to get to know your collaborators and understand their businesses and goals. Be sure to communicate clearly and work together to establish shared objectives.

Use social media to connect with potential collaborators, share each other’s content, and promote joint initiatives.

Measure and analyze the resultsof your campaign. Conduct website audits and track key metrics such as website traffic, social media engagement, and sales, and use this data to optimize your future collaborations.

A great example of a successful digital marketing collaboration is the #LikeAGirl Campaign partnership by Always and Girls on the Run.

Source: Beloved Brands

The popular feminine hygiene brand amplified the success of its viral 2014 marketing success by teaming up with Girls on the Run in 2019 to support the National Access and Inclusion Initiative. Over $750,000 has been donated over the last two years, shining a philanthropic light on Always’ brand image. 
4. Join industry organizations and groups
Joining industry organizations and groups can provide many benefits that can help you stay ahead of the curve. 

You can gain access to exclusive industry information and resources, such as primary research and reports that can help you stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices.

There will also be opportunities to network and build relationships with other professionals in your field. This can be especially valuable for freelancers and entrepreneurs who may not have as many opportunities to connect with others in their industry.

To identify the right organizations:

Research industry organizations and choose ones that align with your interests and goals. 
Attend events and participate in committees to build relationships and gain exposure for your work.
Volunteer to help with events or initiatives to build your skills and experience.

Pro-tip: Examples of industry organizations and groups include the following: 
American Marketing Association
Interactive Advertising Bureau
Content Marketing Institute
5. Experiment with new marketing techniques and technologies
Experimenting with new marketing techniques and technologies can help you reach wider audiences and engage customers in new ways.

However, when identifying the new tools and methods at your disposal, it’s important to choose the ones that align with your brand’s goals and audience. 

For example, if you’re targeting Gen Z, you might experiment with video formats on growing social media platforms like TikTok or Instagram Reels to reach that audience.

Source: Digital Marketing Institute

A great way to do this is by experimenting with new tactics on a small scale to test their effectiveness before growing. You can do this through A/B tests on your website, by running a small ad campaign on a new platform or by testing a new content format to see how it performs before investing more resources.

Examples of new marketing techniques and technologies that digital marketers can experiment with include AI tools like ChatGPT, virtual and augmented reality and voice search optimization. 

If a new marketing trend or technology doesn’t work out, be prepared to pivot your strategy and try something new. 

Experimentation involves taking risks, and not every experiment will be successful. The key is to learn from your failures and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Conclusion
As we move into 2023, it’s important you look out for exciting emerging trends in the year ahead, like AI and machine learning, social commerce, the rise of the ‘creator economy’, and focus on customers’ personalized experiences. 

By keeping up with the latest trends, you can ensure your brand’s success in the fast-paced digital landscape. So let’s get out there and embrace the future of marketing!