While there aren’t any new trends to explore, the way we communicate is constantly evolving and has shifted drastically since the pandemic began. Even as we begin to spend more time out of the house many of the trends and tools we have transitioned to will remain a key part of our professional communications strategies. From our daily interactions to the way we generate sales and marketing data, leveraging AI, and upgrading to long-distance LEDs for 2021’s modern trends in communication—such as an industry-specific or LED hotel light board to communicate from afar.
Long-Distance In-Person Communication
Digital signage is one of the fastest-growing types of signage in digital communication trends. Once the pandemic began, an increasing number of businesses needed to communicate to customers from the parking lot or to those driving by. For example, to share updates such as their current Covid protocols or constantly changing business hours.
The demand for programable signs rose rapidly, even for industries that typically have at least a digital sign or two. For example, adding an additional hotel light board to share their current occupancy rates, Covid protocols, or rock-bottom prices to boost dwindling occupancy. Whether static, scrolling, or with full HD capacity—a LED hotel light board draws up to 400% more views than a static sign.
Regardless of the industry or purpose, upgrading to a digital sign empowers you to update your signage remotely, in real-time, or as part of a prescheduled messaging mix.
The Rise Of The Mini Meeting
Video conferencing for personal and professional purposes became mainstream with Skype, which was introduced in 2003. Most of the time, these were scheduled meetings that lasted between 20 and 60 minutes. While working remotely during the pandemic, connecting and engaging with colleagues and clients required far more virtual screen time. Mini scheduled and impromptu meetings on Zoom, Google Hangouts, WhatsApp, Messenger, and CRMs skyrocketed. As part of modern trends in communication, Zoom went from 10 million meetings per day in December of 2019 to 300 million meetings per day by April 2020. WhatsApp also saw significant growth as it’s an all-in one-tool that empowers users to text, call, and video chat from anywhere in the world with nothing other than internet access.
Expanded Consumer Communication Options
With brick and mortar locations closed or operating on limited hours, even small businesses have had to expand to a wider range of communication channels. Email, phone, and social media messaging remain—and are often joined by SMS, video, AI chatbot, live chat customer service, call centers, apps, and more. This includes an increase in integrated and proprietary software that manages communication across multiple channels.
Apps As Service
Apps as service is an increasingly popular way to implement SaaS (software as service). Apps are convenient because they are easy to access and navigate from digital devices. The digital security for apps is increasingly advance, and depending on the sensitivity of the data being gathered, many apps can be disabled remotely if a device is lost or stolen—or a direct request is issued to the app provider. Apps as service run the range of multi-company or solo company delivery, sales, data tracking, health tracking, gaming, entertainment, fitness, access to proprietary services, department-specific employee apps, and more.
Data-Driven For A Targeted Approach
One of the many benefits of integrated multi-communication tools is the ability to generate in-depth sales and marketing data. This data can be utilized to hyper-segment and target existing clients, generate new leads, and better qualify new leads. It can even personalize which sales and promotions you send to specific clients. For example, to promote complementary products—such as fertilizer for the plants you just purchased. Or a timed email reminder to stock up before your 90 day supply of supplements runs out.
Automated Communication
Emails, SMS, and AI chat can be automated to contact everyone on a marketing list, or after a designated action is completed. For example, prompting a follow-up email depending on email open rates or the links clicked within an email. Or automating an SMS appointment reminder, an automated survey request after a service is complete, or a product review request after a package is received. Some automations streamline internal operations. For example, if you have an HR app that employees can utilize to place time-off requests, the system can automate both the schedule update and approval/denial email—lightening the HR team’s load.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is being utilized for a variety of professional purposes, including modern trends in digital communication. The most popular options are website, app-based, and social media chatbots. These apps require companies to provide a fixed set of data and information, including frequently asked questions. Most live chat questions asked are similar, so chatbots can answer them cutting down on labor—and providing cost-effective 24/7 customer service. They are also conversational and get “smarter” over time, able to answer more nuanced questions. When your chatbot can’t answer a question, it will route to your designated call center or follow-up communication channel. AI chatbots are also available in multiple languages and deliver data, trends, and analytics.
Voice-Enabled Technology
Whether for ambiance, entertainment, hands-free capabilities, efficiency, or just plain laziness—our connected devices and personal IoTs are increasingly voice-enabled. Think of it as the modern-day version of “clap on, clap off”. Perform search engine searches to source new vendors and service providers, ask off the top of your head questions while typing a document, type a document by voice, adjust the music volume, adjust the temperature, change the channel or pause what you are streaming, check your daily schedule, and more. While some voice-enabled functions are fairly generic, the options are increasingly conversational and the technology is sometimes integrated with AI to act as a virtual digital assistant.
Considering A New Business Or Hotel Light Board?
A scrolling business and hotel light board can play a vital role in communication, marketing, and promotions. Scrolling sign pricing begins at $400 and cost upwards of $2,000 depending on the features and functions you require. You can also choose a sign that is capable of posting HD video, images, and graphics empowering you to alternate a large and wider range of text and visuals. Reach out to Mega LED Technology today to learn more!
