Black Friday has become an annual shopping extravaganza, and each year brings new trends and strategies for both retailers and consumers. In 2023, there are seven key Black Friday trends that CMOs need to be aware of to stay ahead of the competition.

Black Friday has become an annual shopping extravaganza, and each year brings new trends and strategies for both retailers and consumers. In 2023, there are seven key Black Friday trends that CMOs need to be aware of to stay ahead of the competition.

The first trend is the rise of connected TV. With an estimated 87% of US households using connected TV by the end of 2023, CMOs need to adapt their advertising strategies to include traditional TV commercials as well as digital ads optimized for connected TV platforms. This means working closely with media partners to identify the most effective ad formats and placements for reaching their target audience on these platforms.

Another important trend for CMOs to consider is the increased focus on privacy and data regulation. With the introduction of stricter regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), companies need to ensure that their marketing practices are compliant with these laws. This includes obtaining proper consent for data collection and usage, as well as being transparent about how customer data is being handled.

The emergence of 5G technology is also a trend that CMOs need to keep up with. With 5G networks becoming more widespread, the speed and capacity of mobile internet will greatly increase. This opens up new opportunities for marketers to create immersive and interactive experiences for their customers. CMOs should explore how they can leverage 5G technology to deliver more engaging and personalized content to their audience.

Influencer marketing has been on the rise in recent years, and this trend is set to continue in 2023. More and more brands are partnering with social media influencers to promote their products or services. In fact, it is estimated that $6.16 billion will be spent on influencer marketing in 2023. CMOs should consider how they can utilize influencer marketing to reach new audiences and build brand awareness. It is important for CMOs to be strategic in selecting the right influencers and measuring the effectiveness of their campaigns.

The expansion of voice search and virtual assistants is another trend that CMOs need to be aware of. With the increasing popularity of devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home, voice search is becoming more prevalent. CMOs should optimize their websites and content for voice search to ensure that their brand is easily discoverable through these platforms. Additionally, CMOs should explore opportunities to create voice-activated experiences or integrate their brand with virtual assistants.

Cross-channel marketing is another important trend for CMOs to consider in 2023. With consumers using multiple devices and channels to interact with brands, it is crucial for marketers to create a seamless and consistent experience across all touchpoints. CMOs should invest in technologies and strategies that allow them to track and analyze customer interactions across channels, and use this data to deliver personalized and targeted messaging.

Finally, the emergence of extended reality (XR) is a trend that CMOs should not overlook. XR refers to virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies, which are becoming more accessible and affordable. CMOs should explore how they can leverage XR to create immersive brand experiences that engage and captivate their audience. This could include virtual try-on experiences for fashion brands, virtual tours for travel companies, or augmented reality games for entertainment brands.

In conclusion, CMOs need to stay informed about the latest digital media trends to effectively reach their target audience and stay ahead of the competition. By embracing trends such as connected TV, influencer marketing, 5G technology, voice search, cross-channel marketing, and extended reality, CMOs can create innovative and impactful marketing strategies. To get started, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Collaborate with media partners to optimize your advertising strategies for connected TV platforms. This will help you reach a wider audience and maximize the impact of your campaigns.

• 2. Invest in technologies and strategies that allow you to track and analyze customer interactions across channels. This data will provide valuable insights for delivering personalized and targeted messaging.

• 3. Explore the potential of influencer marketing to reach new audiences and build brand awareness. Be strategic in selecting the right influencers and measure the effectiveness of your campaigns to ensure maximum ROI.

By keeping up with these trends and taking action, CMOs can position their brands for success in 2023 and beyond.