Australia – Global cross-channel relationship management solution provider Cheetah Digital has recently launched its consumer trends index this year, which unveiled the latest key trends regarding relationship marketing, ranging from privacy trends to loyalty and messaging.
In regards to privacy trends, the index has noted huge rises in those turning to incognito browsing, amounting to a 50% increase, a 48% increase for using a PC cleaner software, a 40% increase in using a password generator, a 37% increase in usage of ad blocking tech, a 31% increase in those paying for premium software, and a 31% increase in usage of a password manager.
Staying on the topic of privacy, the index also noted that users prefer brands to only use data that they have explicitly shared directly to the brand. Other methods such as ads based on location data, retargeting ads derived from tracking cookies, and ads related to something they discussed near a smart device ‘creep’ out users.
Meanwhile, in regards to brand loyalty, around 57% of consumers say they are prepared to pay more to buy from a preferred brand, with loyalty metrics spiking across the board. Among the growing reasons they stay loyal are when brands understand customers as individuals (110% increase), treat their data with respect (71% increase), align with their personal values (58% increase) and offer admirable loyalty programs (55% increase).
Furthermore, consumers’ expectations of the loyalty programs are maturing, with a desire for contests and sweepstakes, increasing to around 73%. Other loyalty initiatives that customers expect include exclusive access and content (58% increase), and personalised product recommendations (56% increase).
Lastly, when it comes to messaging marketing to customers, email remains one of the most effective channels, beating banner ads, social media ads, organic posts, and SMS by up to 108%. Half of consumers report purchasing a product directly as a result of an email they received in the last 12 months.
Speaking about the index release, Tim Glomb, VP of content at Cheetah Digital, said, “The path to customer acquisition has evolved from a relatively straightforward train track to a bowl of spaghetti, with multiple channels and formats to navigate. Brands can no longer get away with lumping customers into segments, but rather must treat them as individuals. This requires developing authentic relationships, offering real value exchange, and interpreting the right customer signals at the right time in the right channel.”
He added, “This report offers brands an extraordinary opportunity to assess their ability to create and execute campaigns that meet and exceed consumers’ growing demand for more personalisation, more privacy and a deeper relationship with the brands they know and trust.”
Cheetah Digital’s index is available for download here.
