Marketing in 1993 versus 2023: 30 Years of Evolution and Technology
In 1993, media platforms didn’t even exist yet. The internet was just getting started and few people had access to it. Marketing was all about radio, TV, billboards and print. Now, social media has become a dominant force in marketing. Brands leverage platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and others to connect with audiences, share content, and build communities.
Let's look at the key developments of marketing since then…
Data & Analytics - Data collection and analysis were limited. Marketers relied on surveys, focus groups, and basic customer databases for insights. Marketing now is data-driven. Marketers use advanced analytics, AI, and machine learning to collect, analyze, and interpret vast amounts of consumer data. This allows for personalized marketing campaigns, better targeting, and improved ROI.
Content Marketing - Content is shared across multiple digital platforms. It’s a brand’s central focus in digital strategies for creating valuable content through blogs, videos, podcasts, and infographics to educate and engage their audience.
Mobile Marketing - Mobile phones were basic and not widely used for marketing purposes. With mobile apps, SMS marketing, location-based targeting, and mobile-responsive websites being primary channels for reaching audiences, mobile marketing plays a vital role in marketing strategies today.
Personalization - Personalization in 1993 meant addressing recipients by their names in direct mail. In 2023, AI and data-driven insights allow for highly personalized marketing messages, product recommendations, and user experiences.
Influencer Marketing – Influencer marketing was unheard of in 1993. In today’s world, influencer marketing has emerged as an integral and dynamic component of modern marketing strategies. By leveraging the appeal and credibility of social media influencers and content creators, brands can establish meaningful connections, drive brand awareness, trust, and ultimately, conversions in an era where consumers are seeking more authentic and relatable interactions with the brands they support.
Virtual Reality – (VR) has indeed introduced groundbreaking opportunities in the realm of marketing. VR allows brands to tell immersive stories that connect with audiences on a deeper level, creating emotional connections and brand loyalty. VR allows consumers to experience products in a virtual environment such as visualizing how some new clothes or furniture would look, to virtually attend at a concert or event, or even test drive a plane.
Marketing has transformed dramatically over the past 30 years. Marketers must continually adapt to evolving technologies and consumer preferences to stay relevant.